Wired Computer Networks

Question 1

What is Circuit Switching?

Answer 1

Tries to find a connection. Once it is found, the connection between computers that try to interact with each other is made.

Question 2

What are the Advantages of Circuit Switching?

Answer 2

• no delays when data is being transmitted as there is no question in the codes.
• messages being transmitted will be sent in order.

Question 3

What are the Disadvantages of Circuit Switching?

Answer 3

• low utilisation of network as lines are physically occupied and other computers can use that link for data, so network cannot be used extensively.
• if lines are occupied/busy, connections have to wait until it’s free.

Question 4

What is Message Switching?

Answer 4

A dedicated line is not used. Instead, the whole message is sent through the network. Message is passed from node to node until it reaches its destination so the message is sent as a whole.

Question 5

What are the Advantages of Message Switching?

Answer 5

• no set-up delay and a dedicated line is unnecessary as data can take any path for transmission
• two computers don’t have to communicate at the same rate as the network will act as a buffer
• sender can send messages as a whole when ready even if the reviewer is unprepared.

Question 6

What are the Disadvantages of Message Switching?

Answer 6

• not compatible for interactive applications such as voice and video due to longer message delivery
• can lead to security issues if hacked
• not reliable communication method as it does not establish dedicated path between devices

Question 7

What is Packet Switching?

Answer 7

A message is divided into a number of packets. Each packet contains a header that states the address of transmission and packet sequence number in order. Error detection is also done.

Question 8

What are the Advantages of Packet Switching?

Answer 8

• use efficient lines that are not occupied with smaller number of packets.
• les likely affected by errors because if a path fails, another is found.
• better security because of error checking. Packets can go different routes. If data is caught, hackers won’t understand.

Question 9

What are the Disadvantages of Packet Switching?

Answer 9

• packets may get lost in their route so sequence numbers are needed to identify missing packets.
• requires large RAM to handle large size data.
• Switching nods require more procession power to reconstruct packets.