Difference Between Circuit Switching and Packet

Switching
Circuit switching and packet switching are the two different methods of switching that are used
to connect the multiple communicating devices with one another. The key difference between
circuit switching and packet switching is that packet switching is connectionless, whereas circuit
switching is connection-oriented.

These are the two most common switching methods. We will understand how these both
processes affect the transfer of data from sender to receiver differ from one another.

Table of Contents:

 What Is Circuit Switching

 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Circuit Switching
 What is Packet Switching
 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Packet Switching
 Circuit Switching Vs Packet Switching
 Difference between Circuit Switching
and Packet Switching

What Is Circuit Switching?

Circuit switching is defined as the method of switching which is used for establishing a
dedicated communication path between the sender and the receiver. The link which is
established between the sender and the receiver is in the physical form. Analog telephone
network is a well-known example of circuit switching. Bandwidth is fixed in this type of
switching. Let us know in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of circuit switching.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Circuit Switching

Advantages 
 The bandwidth used is fixed.
 The quality of communication is increased as a dedicated communication channel is
used.
 The rate at which the data is transmitted is fixed.
 While switching, no time is wasted in waiting.
 It is preferred when the communication is long and continuous.
Disadvantages 
 Since dedicated channels are used, the bandwidth required is more.
 The utilization of resources is not full.
 Since a dedicated channel has been used, the transmission of other data becomes
impossible.
 The time taken by the two stations for the establishment of the physical link is too long.
 Circuit switching is expensive because every connection uses a dedicated path
establishment.
 The link between the sender and the receiver will be maintained until and unless the user
terminates the link. This will also continue if there is no transfer of data taking place.

What is Packet Switching?

Packet switching is defined as the connectionless network where the messages are divided and
grouped together and this is known as a packet. Each packet is routed from the source to the
destination as individual packets. The actual data in these packets are carried by the payload.
When the packet arrives at the destination, it is the responsibility of the destination to put these
packets in the right order.  Let us know in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of
packet switching.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Packet Switching

Advantages
 There is no delay in the delivery of the packets as they are sent to the destination as soon
as they are available.
 There is no requirement for massive storage space as the information is passed on to
the destination as soon as they are received.
 Failure in the links does not stop the delivery of the data as these packets can be routed
from other paths too.
 Multiple users can use the same channel while transferring their packets.
 The usage of bandwidth is better in case of packet switching as multiple sources can
transfer packets from the same source link.

Disadvantages
 Installation costs of packet switching are expensive.
 The delivery of these packets becomes easy when complicated protocols are used.
 High-quality voice calls cannot use packet switching as there is a lot of delay in this type
of communication.
 Connectivity issues may lead to loss of information and delay in the delivery of the
information.
Circuit Switching Vs Packet Switching
Circuit switching is referred to as the technology of data transfer that utilizes sending messages
from one point to another. This involves sending messages from the receiver to the sender and
back simultaneously. A physical connection gets established during this process along with the
receiver; a dedicated circuit is always present to handle data transmissions, through which data
is sent. Packet switching can be used as an alternative to circuit switching. In the packet-
switched networks, data is sent in discrete units that have variable length.

Difference Between Circuit

Switching and Packet Switching

Circuit Switching Packet Switching

Each packet
A circuit needs to be containing the
established to make information that
sure that data needs to be
transmission takes processed goes
place. through the dynamic
route.

There is no uniform
A uniform path is
path that is followed
followed throughout
end to end through
the session.
the session.

It is most ideal for It is used mainly for

voice communication, data transmission as
while also keeping the the delay is not
delay uniform. uniform.

A connection is not
Without a connection,
necessary, as it can
it cannot exist, as the
exist without one
connection needs to be
too. It needs to be
present on a physical
present on a
layer.
network layer.

Data is processed
Data to be transmitted and transmitted at
is processed at the the source as well as
source itself. at each switching
station.

Thus, this explains the Circuit Switching and Packet Switching differences.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Which type of switching is used in traditional telephone system

Traditional telephone systems use circuit switching.

Is the bandwidth fixed or varying in circuit switching?.

The bandwidth is fixed in circuit switching.

Which type of switching is used in long distance communication?

Circuit switching is used in long distance communication.

Define packet switching

Packet switching is defined as the connectionless network where the messages are divided and
grouped together into packets.

Ethernet is an example for?

Ethernet is an example for packet switching.