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Understanding Circuit Switching in Networks

Circuit Switching is a communication method that establishes a dedicated path between two endpoints for the duration of a session, consisting of three phases: circuit establishment, data transfer, and circuit termination. It is characterized by guaranteed bandwidth and low latency, making it suitable for real-time communications, but is inefficient in resource utilization and less flexible compared to packet switching. Despite being largely replaced by packet switching in modern networks, circuit switching remains relevant in specific applications like voice communications.

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13 views4 pages

Understanding Circuit Switching in Networks

Circuit Switching is a communication method that establishes a dedicated path between two endpoints for the duration of a session, consisting of three phases: circuit establishment, data transfer, and circuit termination. It is characterized by guaranteed bandwidth and low latency, making it suitable for real-time communications, but is inefficient in resource utilization and less flexible compared to packet switching. Despite being largely replaced by packet switching in modern networks, circuit switching remains relevant in specific applications like voice communications.

Uploaded by

rukhsanakoser4321
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© All Rights Reserved
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Mir Chakar Khan

Rind University Sibi


Submitted to Sir Waheed Ur Rehman
Submitted by Rukhsana koser
Department Computer Science
Subject Computer Networks
2nd
Assignment No
Semester 6th

What is Circuit Switching


1
Circuit Switching is a method of communication where a dedicated
communication path or circuit is established between two endpoints for the
duration of a communication session. Once the circuit is established, all data
follows the same path until the session ends.

Working Principle of Circuit Switching


The process of circuit switching occurs in three main phases:

1. Circuit Establishment:
A dedicated path is set up between the sender and the receiver before data
transmission begins.
2. Data Transfer:
Data flows continuously and exclusively through the established path.
3. Circuit Termination:
Once the communication is complete, the circuit is released and made
available for other connections.

Example: Traditional Telephone System


1. A classic example of circuit switching is the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN). When a phone call is made, a dedicated
path is established through a series of switches from the caller to the
receiver, which remains open for the duration of the call.

Characteristics of Circuit Switching


 Dedicated Communication Path
 Fixed Bandwidth Allocation
 Real-Time Data Transmission
 Predictable Performance
 Inefficient Resource Utilization (if no data is being transmitted during
the session)

Types of Circuit Switching


1. Space Division Switching
Uses physical paths (like wires or relays) to establish a connection.

2
2. Time Division Switching
Utilizes time slots on a shared medium for communication, as seen in digital
systems.

Advantages of Circuit Switching


 Guaranteed Bandwidth
Since the path is dedicated, consistent bandwidth is ensured.
 No Congestion During Transmission
Once established, the path is immune to network congestion.
 Low Latency
Especially suitable for real-time voice and video communication.
 Simple Data Handling
Data arrives in order and without the need for packet reassembly.

Disadvantages of Circuit Switching


 Inefficient Use of Resources
The dedicated path remains reserved even when no data is being transferred.
 Setup Time Required
The initial establishment of the circuit can introduce delay.
 Scalability Issues
Not optimal for networks with a large number of dynamic users (e.g., the
internet).
 Less Flexible
Compared to packet switching, it cannot adapt well to bursty data traffic.

Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching


Feature Circuit Switching Packet Switching
Path Type Dedicated Dynamic (per packet)
Resource Utilization Inefficient Efficient
Delay Low (after setup) Variable
Data Delivery In Order May Arrive Out of Order
Ideal For Voice Calls Internet/Data Transmission

3
Modern Relevance
While circuit switching has been largely replaced by packet switching in modern
data networks (like the Internet), it still holds importance in understanding network
fundamentals and remains in use in specific applications like voice
communications (e.g., landline phones) and ISDN systems

Conclusion
Circuit switching was a revolutionary step in the evolution of telecommunications,
enabling real-time voice communication over vast distances. Although newer
technologies have emerged, the principles of circuit switching continue to be
relevant in network design, particularly in systems where consistent and
uninterrupted communication is essential.

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