F451: Circuit Switching and Packet Switching Flashcards
Define Packet Switching
This is when Packets are sent onto the network e.g. a message and must find and establish its own route to reach its destination.
Define Circuit Switching
This is when a Packet is sent onto a network e.g. a message, but the route is reserved before being transmitted. All the packets must follow a specific order.
How is Packet Switching used to transmit data from one computer to another on a network
Data is divided into packets of equal sizes and each packet has a label attached stating its destination, what data file is, which packet number it is and the transmitting address. These packets are sent onto the network to follow the most convenient path. Because there is no preset path the packets follow different routes. The packets usually arrive in the wrong order and must be reassembled upon arrival
How is Circuit Switching used to transmit data from one computer to another on a network
A path is reserved between two computers for the duration of the transmission. As long as this is reserved and being used no other data can use any part of this circuit until the transmission is complete. Before being sent the data is split into data packets of equal size which are sent down the circuit in the correct order.
State the Advantages of Packet Switching
- It is a secure way of transmitting because it is impossible to intercept all packets
- If the message does not arrive safely only one packet needs to be resent
State the Disadvantages of Packet Switching
- Must be reordered upon arrival
- Only as fast as its slowest packet
State the Advantages of Circuit Switching
- Takes less time to fully transmit packages as they all go on the same route and in order
- They do not have to find their own route unlike Packet Switching
State the Disadvantages of Circuit Switching
- Can tie a large area of the network, slowing down other transmissions
- Transimissions can be easily intercepted which can be fatal
