Short for packet assembler/disassembler PAD is a device (hardware or software) used in packet switching to enable data terminal equipment (DTE) not equipped for packet switching to access a packet-switched network. PAD is a term most often associated with an X.25 network where the PAD breaks the data stream into individual packets and formats the packet headers for asynchronous transmission.
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: SOME OF THE PRODUCTS THAT APPEAR ON THIS SITE ARE FROM COMPANIES FROM WHICH TECHNOLOGYADVICE RECEIVES COMPENSATION. THIS COMPENSATION MAY IMPACT HOW AND WHERE PRODUCTS APPEAR ON THIS SITE INCLUDING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR. TECHNOLOGYADVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL COMPANIES OR ALL TYPES OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKETPLACE.