Key People: Vinton Cerf Robert Kahn Paul Baran Leonard Kleinrock (Show more) packet-switched network, digital network that transfers data files by breaking them up into smaller units (“packets”) and transmitting them through a series of nodes (“switches”). In a process known as store-and-forward, the switches route the packets to their destination, where the data files are then reassembled. The Internet and most local area networks (LANs) are packet-switched networks. Traditional networks, known as circuit-switched networks, transmit data through a single physical path of fixed bandwidth, holding the path open for as long as necessary. All information is sent down the path in sequential order. Packet-switched networks, on the other hand, can direct ...(100 of 1117 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!