packet switching
Refers to protocols in which messages are divided into packets before they are sent. Each packet is then transmitted individually and can even follow different routes to its destination. Once all the packets forming a message arrive at the destination, they are recompiled into the original message.
Most modern Wide Area Network (WAN) protocols, including TCP/IP, X.25, and Frame Relay, are based on packet-switching technologies. In contrast, normal telephone service is based on a circuit-switching technology, in which a dedicated line is allocated for transmission between two parties. Circuit-switching is ideal when data must be transmitted quickly and must arrive in the same order in which it's sent. This is the case with most real-time data, such as live audio and video. Packet switching is more efficient and robust for data that can withstand some delays in transmission, such as e-mail messages and Web pages.
A new technology, ATM, attempts to combine the best of both worlds -- the guaranteed delivery of circuit-switched networks and the robustness and efficiency of packet-switching networks.
-
1
enterprise application
An enterprise application is the term used to describe applications -- or software -- that a business would use to assist the organization in...
-
2
open source
Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its...
-
-
3
CPU - Central Processing Unit
Definition: CPU is the abbreviation for central processing unit. The CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place.
-
4
mobile operating system
An operating system for mobile devices.
-
5
Facebook
The name of a social networking site (SNS) that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them.
-
6
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...
-
7
RSA Secure ID
RSA SecurID ( “SecurID”) is a two-factor authentication technology that is used to protect network resources.
-
8
ecommerce remarketing
In email and online marketing, remarketing or ecommerce remarketing refers to the techniques, strategies and often the automated email...
-
9
Wi-Fi
A popular wireless networking technology that provides high-speed Internet and network connections.
-
10
RAM
Pronounced ramm, acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be...
-
11
biometrics
The study of measurable biological characteristics. In computer security, biometrics refers to authentication techniques that rely on physical...
Connect with Webopedia
-
-
Cloud Computing White Papers and Resources for Small Businesses
Keeping track of cloud computing trends, research and statistics gives small businesses knowledge and a solid foundation to get the most value...
