3/22/24, 9:24 AM Difference between Message and Packet Switching

Difference between Message and Packet Switching

Differences Computers Network

When we connect one computer to another computer or more, we share the purpose of
sending files, data, information, or media of such kind between them. It forms a network
between these computers. But how does this data is transferred from one to other
computers?

For example, in a network, we are sending one file to another computer in the room, so
the data will be transferred within seconds. What is happening that made it so easy to
transfer those files? That is what we are going to understand here in a very simple
manner.

When we send messages and share any information between computers in a network, the
computer that is sending the file is called the source and the computer which is going to
receive the file or data is called the destination. The data transferred are in units which are
called Packets. When your data is transferred from source to destination, there is a
technique followed to perform this task, this technique is called Switching. So now we
have our first question.

What is switching?
Switching is a technique or we can say it is a process of sending data from source to
destination computers to build the connection and transfer between them.

Now as you get a simple definition of switching, it is better to understand deeply. Well,
sharing data between two or three computers is easy and it is not so time-consuming but
as you know, we are transforming day by day so rapidly that the data now is transferred
between millions of computers in a network together, so now you can estimate the
complexity that is going to increase when the data is transferred among them.

So, now consider this switching technique for a large network, it works efficiently for
larger areas such as LAN and WAN, when they require data to be sent and received,
switching is a great option.

Now, there are commonly three types of switching we are going to find−

Message Switching

Packet Switching

Circuit Switching

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-message-and-packet-switching 1/4
3/22/24, 9:24 AM Difference between Message and Packet Switching

Here, we are only going to discuss Message and Packet Switching to understand what
these are, their advantages and disadvantages, and what the difference between them is.

Which is Message Switching?

Message Switching Definition

First circuit switching was introduced where we set a physical path to build a single
communication network between two nodes only. The best example to understand circuit
switching is Voice call or service. It uses circuit switching.

The message is an evolved version of circuit switching. Consider whatever you are
sending, the entire data is a message that is going to be shared between you and your
receiver. It is a unit of data that you share which is messages. But keep in mind that
messages shared are not directly connected, they have certain nodes in between where
the message will reach at a time and then eventually at the destination which is the
receiver.

All your data is wrapped in a single message and that message has a header that contains
information like where it is going to be routed. Like when you write a letter to your friends
physically, you are the source, your entire letter is the message, the post office is a node,
and when it reaches your friend at the correct address which is the destination.

Advantages of Message Switching

It reduces traffic congestion in the network

We can prioritize the important messages

Messages can be of any length

Disadvantages of Message Switching

It uses middle nodes for reaching before it reaches the destination which is why it
requires a large capacity to keep those messages during communication.

It is also dependable as the connection between source and destination is not

direct.

It is not suitable for real-time delivery of messages.

Which is Packet Switching?

Consider packet switching is quite the opposite to message switching as the data will be
divided into small units which are called packets and these work between the sender and

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-message-and-packet-switching 2/4
3/22/24, 9:24 AM Difference between Message and Packet Switching

the receiver. Your entire message is now multiple packets which help faster transfer of
data. How can this happen? Let's now understand this.

Suppose, you send a message, this message is going to be divided into small packets,
each packet has a header that contains the information about its route, every single
packet is now going to be transferred at a time, afterward they are reordered and
reassembled to form the original message you send, ultimately, it reaches the destination
or the receiver.

Advantages of Packet Switching

The performance of transferring data is faster as compared to message switching

due to the division of units into packets.

Better for real-time communication in a network.

Virtual links are established to build the communication path.

Disadvantages of Packet Switching

It is not a good option for voice calls and the packets may sometimes reach
another destination.

It can increase traffic congestion if the path of any packets is diverted or lost.

If any packet is lost due to a high volume of data and complexity in a network,
those lost packets cannot be recovered.

Difference between Message and Packet Switching

Let’s now deeply understand, what the actual differences between Message and Packet
switching are −

Basis of Message Packet

Differences

Definition When the message is sent When the message is divided into
entirely in a single unit from smaller units called packets and
source to destination through then transferred in a network.
nodes.

Language ASCII Language is used. Binary type code is used.

support

Route for It follows a dedicated path for Independent of the path and
Travelling the message to reach different once reaches, it is reordered and

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-message-and-packet-switching 3/4
3/22/24, 9:24 AM Difference between Message and Packet Switching

nodes and destinations. reassembled.

Prominent It is more reliable in terms of It is better and ensures faster

features security. transfer of data.

Latency The block size has no limit. Single packets have a size limit.

Client request It has a physical link allocation. It has a virtual link allocation.
command

Conclusion
To summarize what we have discussed the concept of switching, the types of switching
techniques, and their advantages and disadvantages. Also, the difference between them.
Since both of them have their special characteristics, it is difficult to choose the best
between them. So, it depends upon the situation under which conditions we are going to
use message or packet switching. Such as, if we want better and faster performance of
data to be transferred rapidly, we can use packet switching. Otherwise, if you want a
reliable connection where data has to be secured like voice calls, then message switching
can be a better option.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-message-and-packet-switching 4/4