What distinguishes packet switching from circuit switching?

Packet switching is distinguished from circuit switching primarily because it allows for the independent routing of message packets. In a packet-switched network, data is broken down into smaller packets, each of which is sent over the network independently. These packets can take different paths to reach the destination, where they are reassembled in the correct order. This method is highly efficient because it optimizes network resources, enabling multiple communications to occur simultaneously over the same infrastructure.

In contrast, circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path between two endpoints for the duration of the transmission, which can lead to underutilization of the network when the connection is idle. The flexibility of packet switching enhances robustness and efficiency, particularly in environments where data traffic can be variable and unpredictable.

While packet switching may offer advantages in terms of speed and simplicity in implementation, the defining characteristic is its capability to route packets independently, which is a fundamental aspect of modern networking and the Internet.