Photonic switching is a technology that uses light instead of electricity to route data in communication networks. By utilizing photons, the basic units of light, this method can achieve faster data transmission speeds and lower energy consumption compared to traditional electronic switching methods. In photonic switching, optical signals are manipulated using devices like optical switches and waveguides. These components direct light signals to their intended destinations without converting them into electrical signals, which helps reduce latency and improve overall network performance. This technology is particularly beneficial for high-capacity data centers and long-distance communication systems.