Packet vs Circuit Switching

Question 1

What is circuit switching?

Answer 1

• A circuit-switched network requires the two nodes to create a dedicated communications channel (The “circuit”)
• All data sent flows through this one path –> reliable
• No other devices can use this path while it is reserved - this leads to bandwidth wastage

Question 2

What is Packet switching?

Answer 2

• A packet-switched network divides the data into packets, which can make their own way to the destination
• Each router that receives a packet uses its destination IP address to forward it onwards
• To reassemble, the packet numbers are used

Question 3

Packet switching: Pros and Cons

Answer 3

Pros:
- Efficient operation; connections can be used by multiple devices
- Congestion can be eased by spreading out routes
- Data can just be sent - no connection establishment and release needed

Cons:
- Some packets may be lost
- No control over where packets are routed via (security issue)
- Disassembly and reassembly of packets needs to be done, and all packets need header data
- Dependent on the decisions of routers