Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What is mandatory for packet switching to work?

1. Each packet must go through a supercomputer.

2. Each packet must be labeled with a header.

3. Each packet must be thoroughly scanned.

4. Each packet must be broken down into sub-packets.

The correct answer is: Each packet must be labeled with a header.

For packet switching to function effectively, it is essential that each packet is labeled with a header. The header is crucial because it contains metadata about the packet, such as the source and destination addresses, sequence number, and other control information. This information allows routers and switches in the network to determine where the packet should go next and how it fits into the overall message being transmitted. Without a header, the receiving system would be unable to correctly reassemble the packets into the original transmitted data, leading to confusion and inefficiency in data transmission. The header acts as a roadmap for handling the packet correctly as it traverses the network infrastructure, ensuring that packets are routed appropriately and delivered to their intended destination. While other processes exist in networking, such as scanning packets for security concerns or breaking down large packets for easier transmission, they are not mandatory for the basic functioning of packet switching. Therefore, the requirement for a header is foundational to the operation of packet-switching technology.