The information is sent from one computer to another computer in the form of packets which are small pieces of information. These packets carry their destination address. These are sent from the source computer to the destination computer via the internet (network). Between the source and the destination path, there are computers called routers which figure out the best route for the destination address considering the traffic load currently. Once these packets reach the destination, they are reassembled into a complete message by the receiving computer.

There are two methods of switching. Circuit switching is a continuous path between two devices that need to communicate. Once the communication is over, they release the communication path for other devices. Circuit switchers allow the devices to share the lines of communication, e.g. two computer connected to a single printer.

Most modern computer networks use packet switching. Internet is also an example of packet switching. Internet is described as a packet-switched network.Here the data files are divided into pieces called packets which travel between the computers. Packet switching is economical.