Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching A Level Computer Science

Описание: Circuit switching and packet switching are two fundamental communication methods used in networks, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

Circuit Switching:
In circuit switching, a dedicated communication path is established between the sender and receiver before data transmission begins. This path remains active throughout the entire communication session. It was traditionally used in public telephone networks, where the path, or "circuit," connects both parties for the duration of a phone call.

A key feature of circuit switching is the bi-directional transfer of data over a single dedicated line, ensuring that data arrives in order. This method is well-suited for real-time applications such as voice calls, where data needs to be transmitted continuously without delay. However, it has several disadvantages, including inefficient bandwidth usage, as the line remains occupied even when no data is being transmitted. Additionally, setting up a connection can take time, and if the circuit fails, no alternative routing is available.

Packet Switching:
Packet switching, on the other hand, breaks messages into smaller units called packets. Each packet is transmitted independently and can take different routes to the destination. At the receiving end, packets are reassembled to recreate the original message. This technique is widely used in modern data networks, such as the internet, where efficiency and flexibility are crucial.

Packet switching makes more efficient use of network bandwidth since it allows multiple data transmissions to share the same network resources. It also has the advantage of being able to route around network failures. However, packet switching is not ideal for real-time data transmission because the packets may arrive out of order and need reassembly, which can introduce delays. Additionally, it requires more processing power, including memory (RAM), to handle packet reassembly.

Both methods are essential for different applications, with circuit switching being preferred for voice calls and packet switching dominating in data transmission over the internet.