Datagram networks are also referred to as _______ networks.

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):
Datagram networks, which employ a fundamental method of data transmission called **datagram packet switching**, are correctly referred to as **Connectionless** networks. In this model, the underlying network does not establish a dedicated, end-to-end connection before data transfer begins. Instead, each individual data packet, or *datagram*, is treated as a self-contained and independent entity. It is mandatory for every datagram to carry the full destination address in its header, enabling intermediate routers to make independent forwarding decisions for each packet. Because of this connectionless nature, datagrams belonging to the same message may traverse different paths and are not guaranteed to arrive at the destination in the same order they were sent, which characterizes an unreliable but flexible and efficient service, like the Internet's IP layer.

The incorrect option is (1):
A **Connection oriented** network is defined by its requirement to establish a logical circuit or path and reserve necessary resources *before* any data transmission can take place. This process includes a setup phase and a teardown phase. All packets belonging to a single transmission session follow the same, fixed path, which guarantees ordered and typically reliable delivery. This is the architectural opposite of a datagram network, which avoids this pre-allocation and path fixation.

The incorrect option is (2):
**Bluetooth** is an industry standard specifying a short-range wireless technology (IEEE 802.15.1) used to connect various personal devices, such as mobile phones and peripherals, forming a Personal Area Network (PAN). It is a specific **wireless access technology** and communication protocol used in a local setting. While Bluetooth networks ultimately rely on the underlying principles of connection-oriented or connectionless communication, it is not a term used to classify the general network switching architecture itself.

The incorrect option is (4):
**Wi-Fi** (Wireless Fidelity) is a popular technology standard (based on IEEE 802.11 standards) that enables wireless local area networking (WLAN). It describes the physical and data link layers for transmitting data over radio waves to create network access. Like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi is a specific **wireless access technology** used to connect end devices to a larger network. It is not a broad classification for the logical communication paradigm, such as connectionless or connection oriented, which defines how packets are routed across the wider network.