Computer report III: Data by the packet: Because computing costs are now so low, an unusual new concept of data communications is feasible

Abstract

Because computing costs are now so low, an unusual new concept of data communications is feasible. Called packet switching, this concept is strongly dependent on the cost of computing since it uses computers to correct transmission errors, to provide high reliability through alternate routing, and to allocate communication bandwidth dynamically on a demand basis rather than as a preassigned bandwidth. The ARPA computer network is discussed.