What ensured that ARPAnet could continue to operate despite individual computer or network failures?

ARPAnet’s capability to maintain operations in the face of individual computer or network failures was primarily due to redundancy and packet switching technology.

Redundancy refers to the inclusion of extra components or pathways in the network that ensure there are alternative routes for data transmission. This means that even if one part of the network goes down, data can be rerouted through other functioning parts of the network, preventing total system failure.

Packet switching technology plays a crucial role in this resilience as it breaks down data into smaller packets that can be sent independently across the network. Each packet can take different routes to reach the destination, allowing the network to dynamically adapt to failures by rerouting packets around the affected areas. This flexibility enhances reliability since the system does not rely on a single path for transmission, minimizing the impact of any outages.

In contrast, hierarchical routing would create a more structured approach to data routing, which may not be as flexible as needed during failures. Dedicated circuit connections imply a fixed path for communication, making the network more vulnerable to interruptions if that path fails. Centralized control suggests a governing authority managing traffic, which can become a single point of failure. Thus, redundancy, along with packet switching, is essential for the robust performance of ARPAn