Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What is an essential characteristic of packet switching networks?

1. They only allow voice transmission

2. They transfer all data simultaneously

3. They enable concurrent communication sessions

4. They rely on a single transmission path for each packet

The correct answer is: They enable concurrent communication sessions

Packet switching networks are designed to efficiently manage data transmission by dividing messages into smaller packets. One of their essential characteristics is the ability to enable concurrent communication sessions. This means that multiple data packets from different sources can be transmitted across the network at the same time, sharing the same communication paths without requiring a dedicated line for each session. This concurrent capability allows for better utilization of network resources and improves overall efficiency. Rather than tying up a single path for an exclusive communication session, packet switching dynamically allocates bandwidth as packets are routed through various available paths in the network. This flexibility is what sets packet switching apart from older methods such as circuit switching, where a dedicated connection is established for the duration of the call. By allowing for these concurrent sessions, packet switching facilitates a robust and scalable way to handle large amounts of data traffic across diverse applications, from web browsing to video streaming, where many users may be interacting with the network simultaneously.