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Circuit Switching
Definition:
Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path or circuit between two endpoints
for the duration of the connection. All data is sent along this path.
Key Characteristics:
 Dedicated Resources: The entire bandwidth of the circuit is reserved for the connection
for its duration.
 Fixed Path: Once the circuit is established, all data follows the same route.
 Consistent Latency: Provides a stable and predictable connection with consistent
quality.
Applications:
 Traditional Telephone Networks: Classic phone systems (PSTN) rely on circuit

switching for voice communication.
 Dedicated Leased Lines: Businesses often use leased lines for guaranteed bandwidth
Packet Switching:
Packet switching is the transfer of small pieces of data across various

networks. These data chunks or “packets” allow for faster, more efficient
data transfer.
Often, when a user sends a file across a network, it gets transferred in

smaller data packets, not in one piece. For example, a 3MB file will be
divided into packets, each with a packet header that includes the origin IP
address, the destination IP address, the number of packets in the entire data
file, and the sequence number.
Key Characteristics:
 Dynamic Path Allocation: Each packet can take different routes based on network
availability.
 Store-and-Forward: Routers store packets temporarily before forwarding them to the
next hop.
 Efficiency: Network resources are used more efficiently since bandwidth can be shared
among multiple users.
 Latency Variability: Due to different routing paths, packets may arrive at different
times.
Applications:
 Internet: The primary mode of data transmission on the internet (e.g., HTTP, FTP,
email).
 Voice over IP (VoIP): Transmits voice packets over IP networks.
 Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and YouTube utilize packet switching for
video delivery.
Differences Between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching
Feature Packet Switching Circuit Switching
Connection No need for a dedicated path; packets Requires a dedicated circuit before
Establishment routed independently. communication begins.
Efficient use of bandwidth; multiple Resources are reserved for a single

Resource Utilization
connections share resources. connection, even if idle.
Data sent in packets; can arrive out of

Data Transmission Continuous stream; data arrives in order.
order.
Variable latency; dependent on

Latency Consistent latency during the connection.
network load and routing.
Highly scalable; can handle many users Less scalable; limited by the number of
Scalability
and traffic loads. circuits that can be established.
Error handling can be complex due to Simple error handling; issues can be
Error Handling
packet loss and reordering. resolved on a per-circuit basis.
Usage in Modern Networks
1. Packet Switching:
o Dominant in modern networks, especially the Internet.
o Enables flexibility and scalability necessary for data-rich applications.
o Supports a wide range of services, from web browsing to cloud computing.
2. Circuit Switching:
o Still used in legacy voice communication systems and specific applications requiring
guaranteed bandwidth and low latency.
o Useful in scenarios where consistent quality is paramount, such as traditional telephony
and some real-time data applications.
Physical Medium
Definition: Physical medium refers to the tangible, wired connections used to transmit data.
These involve physical materials that guide signals.
Types:
1. Twisted Pair Cable: Used in telephone and networking (e.g., Ethernet).

o Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Common in local area networks (LAN).
o Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Offers better protection against interference.
2. Coaxial Cable: Used for cable television and internet connections; features a central
conductor surrounded by insulation and a shielding layer.
3. Fiber Optic Cable: Uses light to transmit data; offers high bandwidth and long-distance
transmission with minimal loss.
Wireless Medium
Definition: Wireless medium refers to the transmission of data without physical connections,
using electromagnetic waves.
Types:
1. Radio Waves: Commonly used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular communications.
2. Microwave: Used for point-to-point communications and satellite transmissions.
3. Infrared: Used for short-range communication (e.g., remote controls, some data transfer
applications).
4. Laser: Used for high-speed point-to-point communication, especially in some specialized
applications.
Key Differences
 Connection: Physical media require cables and connectors, while wireless media rely on
electromagnetic signals.
 Mobility: Wireless media allow for greater mobility and flexibility; physical media can
limit movement due to cables.
 Interference: Physical media can be less susceptible to interference, while wireless
media may be affected by obstacles and other electronic signals.
 Installation: Physical media often require more extensive installation and maintenance
than wireless setups.

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Circuit Switching

 Traditional Telephone Networks: Classic phone systems (PSTN) rely on circuit

Packet switching is the transfer of small pieces of data across various

Often, when a user sends a file across a network, it gets transferred in

Differences Between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching

Feature Packet Switching Circuit Switching

Efficient use of bandwidth; multiple Resources are reserved for a single

Data sent in packets; can arrive out of

Variable latency; dependent on

Usage in Modern Networks

1. Twisted Pair Cable: Used in telephone and networking (e.g., Ethernet).

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