Packet
Definition
A packet is a small unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the Internet or any other packet-switched network. Data sent over computer networks is broken down into packets.
Why It Matters
Packet switching is the fundamental technique used for data communication on the internet. Breaking data into small packets allows the network to be shared efficiently among many users, and it provides robustness, as packets can be rerouted around network failures.
Contextual Example
When you load a webpage, the HTML file, images, and other resources are broken into many small packets. Each packet contains a piece of the data, plus a header with the source and destination IP addresses. The packets may travel different routes to reach you, and your computer reassembles them in the correct order.
Common Misunderstandings
- Each packet is handled independently by the network.
- TCP is the protocol responsible for ensuring all the packets are reassembled correctly and that none are lost.