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When data travels through a packet-switching network, what happens to each packet?
They are sent as a single stream of data.
They are assigned the same route for delivery.
They may take different paths to reach the destination.
They are merged before arriving at their destination.
The correct answer is: They may take different paths to reach the destination.
In a packet-switching network, data is broken down into smaller packets before transmission. The unique aspect of packet switching is that these packets can be routed independently of each other. Each packet may take different paths through the network to reach the destination, allowing for efficient use of network resources and providing resilience; if one route encounters congestion or failure, other packets can take alternative paths. This flexibility enhances the overall speed and reliability of data communication, as it optimizes the flow based on current network conditions. The simultaneous travel of packets along different routes also allows for load balancing in the network, facilitating a more dynamic data transmission process. This characteristic is crucial for applications that require real-time data transfer, enabling the network to adapt to changes in traffic patterns dynamically. In contrast, sending packets as a single stream, assigning the same route for all packets, or merging them before arrival would undermine the fundamental benefits of packet-switching technology, such as efficiency and fault tolerance. Each packet's independent journey contributes to the robustness of data delivery in modern networking scenarios.