Packet Switching
Computer Science: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 5.3.4
What's in a Packet?
When data is split into packets, it is bundled with extra information which tries to make sure that it will reach its destination safely.
Payload
- The payload of a packet is the actual data that was intended to be sent.
Header
- A header is also attached to the packet.
- A header includes useful information such as:
- The intended recipient's IP address.
- The sender's IP address.
- The sequence number (so we can re-arrange the packets into the correct order at the other end).
- A checksum (to make sure the data was sent correctly).
Test yourself on Packet Switching
What is the payload of a packet?