Rather than send a continuous stream of data that hogs resources and could easily be broken or lost, information sent by Internet computers is sent as a group of small packages. Each package is numbered and
labeled with the destination address. If a packet runs into a cut line or downed computer it moves along another path and, in most cases, finds its way to the proper computer. In the meantime, the destination computer is
collecting packets, assembling, and delivering the information. When network traffic is light, data transmission is smooth and quick. However, traffic is often very heavy. Packets are often delayed and rerouted. This explains
why data often seems to be received in spurts rather than in a continuous stream. These delays are also the reason you may lose certain types of connections. The host system may send all of its packets, but unless your computer
can receive them in a timely fashion the host may disconnect you because you have been idle too long and it wants to make the port available to others. |
