First the Internet popularized the crucial organizing principles of peer-to-peer architecture and packet-switched data.

The X.25 protocol for access to packet-switched networks was originally a recommendation of CCITT.

How about the packet-switched digital communications system, based on optical technology, that spanned Europe in the 18th century?

With a packet-switched network, all transmissions are broken into tiny blocks of information known as "packets."

This month sees the 30th anniversary of the ARPANET, the first packet-switched network and the precursor of today's Internet.

Currently, it requires two phone lines to connect to a telephone network and a packet-switched network at the same time.

Back in the U.K., Davies would roll out a packet-switched network known as the Mark I -later replaced by the Mark II.

It had only been connected to the rest of the world's global packet-switched network for about a month, which made it particularly attractive virgin territory.

His 0.0000001-megahertz clock was a human conductor with a baton, and his packet-switched communication system involved passing around slips of paper.