Switching

Switching refers to the process of directing data (packets, frames, or circuits) from a source to its destination
across a network. It determines how data moves through the network, how paths are chosen, and how devices
are connected.

Significance

Efficiently connect multiple devices and manage data traffic.

 Circuit switching is a switching technique that establishes a dedicated path between sender and receiver.
 In the Circuit Switching Technique, once the connection is established then the dedicated path will remain to exist
until the connection is terminated.
 Circuit switching in a network operates in a similar way as the telephone works.
 A complete end-to-end path must exist before the communication takes place.
 In case of circuit switching technique, when any user wants to send the data, voice, video, a request signal is sent to
the receiver then the receiver sends back the acknowledgment to ensure the availability of the dedicated path. After
receiving the acknowledgment, dedicated path transfers the data.
 Circuit switching is used in public telephone network. It is used for voice transmission.
 Fixed data can be transferred at a time in circuit switching technology.
Circuit Switching

Communication through circuit switching has 3 phases:

Limitations
 It takes a long time to establish a connection during which no data can be transmitted.
 It is more expensive than other switching techniques as a dedicated path is required for each connection.
 In this case, the connection is dedicated therefore no other data can be transferred even if the channel is free.
Message Switching
 Message Switching is a switching technique in which a message is transferred as a complete unit
and routed through intermediate nodes at which it is stored and forwarded.
 In Message Switching technique, there is no establishment of a dedicated path between the sender
and receiver.
 The destination address is appended to the message. Message Switching provides a dynamic
routing as the message is routed through the intermediate nodes based on the information available
in the message.
 Message switches are programmed in such a way so that they can provide the most efficient
routes.
 Each and every node stores the entire message and then forward it to the next node. This type of
network is known as store and forward network.
 Message switching treats each message as an independent entity.
 Message Switching

Advantages
 Data channels are shared among the communicating devices that improve the efficiency of using
available bandwidth.
 Traffic congestion can be reduced because the message is temporarily stored in the nodes.
 The size of the message which is sent over the network can be varied. Therefore, it supports the data
of unlimited size.

Limitations
 The message switches must be equipped with sufficient storage to enable them to store the messages
until the message is forwarded.
 The Long delay can occur due to the storing and forwarding facility provided by the message
switching technique.
Packet Switching

 The packet switching is a switching technique in which the message is sent in one go, but it is divided into smaller
pieces, and they are sent individually.
 The message splits into smaller pieces known as packets and packets are given a unique number to identify their
order at the receiving end.
 Every packet contains some information in its headers such as source address, destination address and sequence
number.
 Packets will travel across the network, taking the shortest path as possible.
 All the packets are reassembled at the receiving end in correct order.
 If any packet is missing or corrupted, then the message will be sent to resend the message.
 If the correct order of the packets is reached, then the acknowledgment message will be sent.
Packet Switching
Advantages
 Cost-effective: In packet switching technique, switching devices do not require massive secondary storage to
store the packets, so cost is minimized to some extent. Therefore, we can say that the packet switching technique
is a cost-effective technique.
 Reliable: If any node is busy, then the packets can be rerouted. This ensures that the Packet Switching technique
provides reliable communication.
 Efficient: Packet Switching is an efficient technique. It does not require any established path prior to the
transmission, and many users can use the same communication channel simultaneously, hence makes use of
available bandwidth very efficiently.

Limitations
 Packet Switching technique cannot be implemented in those applications that require low delay and high-
quality services.
 The protocols used in a packet switching technique are very complex and requires high implementation cost.
 If the network is overloaded or corrupted, then it requires retransmission of lost packets. It can also lead to the
loss of critical information if errors are nor recovered.
 Feature Circuit Switching Packet Switching Message Switching
Path Dedicated Shared Shared
Resource Utilization Inefficient Efficient Efficient
Delay Low (after setup) Variable High
Data Type Continuous flow Packets Whole messages
Example Telephone call Internet Telegraph