Assignment
Assignment
Urwa Arshad
Submitted to:
Miss Ambreen
Department:
Bs(IT) 5th bridging
Section:
B
Introduction:
In the realm of computer networking, two primary methods of data transmission dominate:
This has been known to have two models which include circuit switching and packet
switching. It is important to begin by understanding the differences between these two
approaches in order to gain insight as to how data is effectively passed within the networks.
In this assignment, the basic and crucial distinction between circuit switching network and
packet switching network shall be discussed, not to mention the ways in which both these
systems work in general.
Circuit Switching
Definition and Overview Circuit switching is a method of data communication where a
dedicated transmission path or circuit is created between two parties and is used only
between the two communicating parties for the time of communication. This method was
previously applied in telephone networks.
Working Principle
Establishment: In order to send any data, a connection path is predetermined within
the network. This takes the form of building a sequence of switches that ensure that
there is a closed circuit between the sender and the recipient.
Data Transfer: After developing the circuit there is always the possibility of
sending data continuously through it this path. It is unchanged for the time of the
communication session, which is the best bet for getting a steady stream to work.
Termination: When the actual communication is over, the circuit is breaks,
releasing these resources for use by other people.
Characteristics
Dedicated Bandwidth: This circuit is still maintained only for the communicating
parties in order to provide a fixed bandwidth for every session.
Predictable Latency: As the path has been created, the delay is fixed hence useful
in applications such as voice calls.
Inefficiency: The biggest problem with the dedicated circuit is that it still takes up
bandwidth in periods of low usage, which is inefficient.
Packet Switching
Packet switching definition and context Packet switching is a way of transmitting data in
which data is separated into many small packets and travel through the network
individually. This method is the fundamental of the internet, being incorporated in most
current communication systems.
Working Principle
Segmentation: Data is segmented into blocks in the form of packet, in which data
portion is included along with the header portion that has the destination address.
Transmission: Every packet is transmitted through a network separately from the
other packets. Routers forward packets according to their destination addresses so
that each may traverse a dissimilar route in order to arrive at the same location.
Reassembly: At the end of the transmission, collections of packets are reorganized
into the same order as the proper data message.
Characteristics
Dynamic Bandwidth: It also differs from circuit switching by not reserving bandwidth.
Unlike circuit switching, packets from different sources can maintain common channels
increasing on utilization.
Variable Latency: Because every packet strives to go its own way, the latency can be
unpredictable. This may be a disadvantage in applications requiring real time results but is
acceptable for data exchange.
Robustness: Routinely, if a link is unavailable, the packets which were previously sent
through that link can be redirected through another link, making the network very robust
in case of link failures.
Key Differences between Circuit and Packet Switching
Feature Circuit Switching Packet Switching
Connection Type Dedicated connection for No dedicated connection;
the session packets routed
independently
Packet Switching: Highly scalable, accommodating varying amounts of data and users.