Packet Switching vs. Circuit Switching

What do packet and circuit switching have in common?

Both transfer packets of data around a network

What is packet switching?

Connectionless mode Each packet sent with header address Seek out the most efficient route to travel as circuits become available

What are the advantages of circuit switching?

Circuit dedicated to connection- no inference/sharing Guaranteed full bandwidth for duration of transmission Guaranteed quality of service

What are the disadvantages of packet switching?

Delays under heavy use Packets can get lost/corrupted Protocols needed for reliable transfer Not good for some data streams

What does the header address contain?

Final destination Sequence for reassembly How many packets should be arriving

What are the disadvantages of circuit switching?

Inefficient Route chosen may not be fastest During a crisis, network may become unstable Requires time to set up connection before data is sent

What is circuit switching?

Physical connection mode Once a connection is made it is then dedicated to that communication and cannot be used by others Data sent in one continuous stream of bits 1. Connection establishment 2. Data transfer 3. Disconnect

What are the advantages of packet switching?

Security- whole transmission can't be intercepted Not affected by line failure Does not have to wait for connection to be available Allows best use of available infrastructure During a crisis, emails and texts can still be sent