|  | 11.6 | Other Network Layer Services
| 11.6.1 | Connectionless network services

Most network services use a connectionless delivery system. They treat each packet separately, and send it on its way through the network. The packets may take different paths to get through the network, but are reassembled when they arrive at the destination. In a connectionless system the destination is not contacted before a packet is sent. A good analogy for a connectionless system is a postal system. The recipient is not contacted before a letter is sent from one destination to another. The letter is sent on its way, and the recipient learns of the letter when it arrives.