SWITCHING

TECHNIQUE
Switching techniques play a crucial role in data transmission
across networks. They determine how data is routed and
delivered from a source to a destination. These techniques
differ in their approaches to establishing connections,
managing data flow, and ensuring reliable delivery. This
presentation will delve into three primary switching
techniques: Circuit Switching, Message Switching, and Packet
Switching.

by Naveen kumar
Circuit Switching
In Circuit Switching, a dedicated physical connection is established between the sender and receiver
before any data transmission can occur. This connection acts like a physical telephone line, ensuring a
continuous and exclusive path for data flow. Imagine two people having a phone conversation; a
dedicated line is established for their conversation, and no other calls can use that line until the
conversation ends.
This technique guarantees a dedicated bandwidth for data transmission, making it suitable for real-time
applications like voice calls and video conferencing. However, it also requires a significant setup time and
can be inefficient for applications that don't require constant data flow.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Guaranteed bandwidth • High setup cost
• Low latency • Inefficient for bursty data
• Suitable for real-time applications • Not scalable for large networks
Message Switching
Message Switching employs a store-and-forward approach where the source computer first
sends the entire message to a switching office. This switching office stores the message in its
buffer, looking for a free link to another switching office before forwarding it. This process
continues until the message reaches the destination.

Think of sending a letter through the postal service; it's stored at various post offices along its
journey before finally reaching the recipient. This technique is suitable for applications that
don't require real-time delivery and can tolerate delays, such as email and file transfers.
However, it can lead to significant latency as messages are stored and forwarded multiple
times.

1 Advantages
Flexibility in routing

2 Disadvantages
High latency

3 Applications
Email, file transfers

4 Key Concept
Store and Forward
Packet Switching
Packet Switching differs from Message Switching by breaking messages into
fixed-size packets before transmission. Each packet contains a header with
information about its destination and sequence number. These packets are then
sent independently across the network, potentially taking different routes to
reach their destination. Once all packets arrive, they are reassembled into the
original message.
Imagine sending a large document as separate pages through the postal service;
each page is addressed independently and can be delivered through different
routes. This approach significantly improves performance as packets are
processed and forwarded quickly. Moreover, it allows for better utilization of
network resources and increased network efficiency.

Feature Message Switching Packet Switching

Block size No limit Fixed size

Data storage Disk Main memory

Access time High Low

Throughput Low High

Packet Switching: A Closer Look
Packet Switching offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for modern networks. The ability to send packets
independently allows for efficient resource utilization and high network throughput. This means that multiple users can share the same
network infrastructure without experiencing significant performance degradation.

Moreover, Packet Switching offers flexibility in routing. Packets can take different paths across the network, increasing network
resilience in case of link failures. This adaptability is crucial in modern, dynamic networks where connections can change frequently.

Flexibility in Routing
Packets can take different paths, increasing network resilience.

High Throughput
Efficient resource utilization enables multiple users to share the network.

Improved Performance
Faster processing and forwarding of packets leads to lower latency and increased speed.

Scalability
Packet Switching easily adapts to growing network sizes and increased data traffic.
Conclusion
Each switching technique presents its unique advantages and disadvantages. Circuit Switching
provides guaranteed bandwidth and low latency but comes at a cost of high setup time and
inefficient utilization for bursty data. Message Switching offers flexibility in routing but can suffer
from high latency due to message storage and forwarding.

Packet Switching has emerged as the dominant technique due to its high throughput, flexibility, and
scalability. It allows for efficient resource utilization, adapts to network changes, and caters to the
increasing demand for data transmission in modern networks. Understanding the nuances of these
switching techniques provides valuable insight into the fundamental workings of computer networks
and how data travels from one point to another.

Circuit Switching
Dedicated physical connection

Message Switching
Store and Forward

Packet Switching
Fixed-size packets