For computer communications, computers talk in little bursts. They're not continuous like speech.

Bob Kahn’s quote, "For computer communications, computers talk in little bursts. They're not continuous like speech," refers to the way data is transmitted in computer networks compared to human communication. Kahn, a key figure in the development of the internet and TCP/IP protocol, is highlighting a fundamental difference between the flow of information in digital systems and the natural, ongoing exchange of words in human speech. In computer communications, data is typically sent in discrete packets or bursts, rather than a continuous stream.

The phrase "little bursts" reflects how digital communication works in segments, where information is broken down into manageable pieces, or packets, and transmitted individually. This process allows computers to send and receive data efficiently, even though it isn't as smooth or continuous as speech. Kahn is drawing attention to the technical nature of computer networks, where the transmission of data is structured in bursts rather than the continuous flow of conversation that humans experience in verbal interactions.

In contrast, speech is continuous, flowing from one word to the next, often without pauses or clear separations, except when intentional (such as in punctuation or pauses for breath). This highlights a key distinction between how humans communicate and how machines transfer information. While speech is fluid and spontaneous, computer networks rely on an organized, packet-based approach to handle the complexities of digital communication, especially over long distances or between different systems.

Ultimately, Kahn’s quote underscores the technical design of computer communication systems and their differences from human speech. It reflects the complexity of digital communication, where information must be broken into packets and carefully managed, illustrating how the technologies that power the internet and computer networks are designed to work in bursts to ensure efficient, reliable data transfer.