2.2 Message Switching and Packet Switching

In message switching no direct path of transmission exists between the participants. The message is stored temporarily in intermediate nodes. In case of message switching from participant A to participant B, the message which has to be transmitted is provided with address and control information, temporarily stored in the switch, and possibly after passing several switches transferred to the receiver as one unit.

In packet switching mode, the message which is to be transmitted from participant A to B is divided into packets. Each packet is provided with destination and control information and is seperately transmitted via the network.

Animation 2.2-1 exemplifies the two transmission modes message switching and packet switching.