packet switching

communications network which divides transmissions into "packets" of information and send each "packet" separately over an open channel

Packet switching is a communications paradigm in which packets (discrete blocks of data) are  routed between nodes over data links shared with other traffic. In each network node, packets are queued or buffered, resulting in variable delay. This contrasts with the other principal paradigm, circuit switching, which sets up limited number of constant bit rate and constant delay connections between the nodes for their exclusive use for the duration of the communication.
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The process of routing and transferring data by means of addressed packets so that a channel is occupied during the transmission of the packet only, and upon completion of the transmission the channel is made available for the transfer of other traffic. (188 )

<communications> A communications paradigm in which packets (messages or fragments of messages) are individually routed between nodes, with no previously established communication path. Packets are routed to their destination through the most expedient route (as determined by some routing algorithm). Not all packets travelling between the same two hosts, even those from a single message, will necessarily follow the same route.
The destination computer reassembles the packets into their appropriate sequence. Packet switching is used to optimise the use of the bandwidth available in a network and to minimise the latency. X.25 is an international standard packet switching network.
Also called connectionless. Opposite of circuit switched or connection-oriented. See also virtual circuit, wormhole routing.
(1999-03-30)

packet switching