Packet Switching

Question 1

IP address

Answer 1

In essence, IP addresses are the identifier that allows information to be sent between devices on a network: they contain location information and make devices accessible for communication. The internet needs a way to differentiate between different computers, routers, and websites. IP addresses provide a way of doing so and form an essential part of how the internet works.

Question 2

MAC address

Answer 2

The MAC address is an important element of computer networking. MAC addresses uniquely identify a computer on the LAN (local area network). MAC is an essential component required for network protocols like TCP/IP transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol to function. Computer operating systems and broadband routers support viewing and sometimes changing MAC addresses

Question 3

Packet Switching (as a whole)

Answer 3

Packet Switching transmits data across digital networks by breaking it down into blocks or packets for more efficient transfer using various network devices.

Question 4

Circuit Switching (as a whole)

Answer 4

Circuit switching is most often used for voice and video calling systems—communications systems that require that users establish a dedicated circuit or channel before they can connect. A circuit switching channel is always reserved, and is in use only when the users are communicating. Circuit switching connections might allocate one or two channels for communications. Those with one channel are called half duplex. Those with two channels are full duplex. Circuit switching is different from packet switching because it creates a physical path between the destination and source. There is no physical path in packet switching, which instead sends packets over a variety of routes.

Question 5

Packet Switching Advantages

Answer 5

Efficient
Cost-effective
Send the data across a network
Security benefit
Big files can be sent as a collective
Small packets can move easily because they can choose different routes through the network.

Question 6

Packet Switching Disadvantages

Answer 6

Data can be corrupted during transmission - the whole file will not be received correctly
Lack of Security
Data can be lost in high volume networks

Question 7

Circuit Switching Advantages

Answer 7

Decreases delay
Always in correct order
Steady bandwidth and consistent rate

Question 8

Circuit Switching Disadvantages

Answer 8

Higher cost
Doesn’t use resources effectively
Dedicated channels can’t have other uses
Requires hardware