We know that switching is the common terminology used in networking. It is the process of exchanging information between two communication devices. There are two types of switching: circuit switching and packet switching. In this session, let us know in detail about circuit switching. Also, let’s learn the phases of circuit switching and their advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Circuit Switching?
Circuit switching is defined as
The switching technique is a connection-oriented network that is divided into pieces and has a dedicated path established between the sender and receiver providing a guaranteed data rate.
Circuit Switching Diagram
Circuit Switching Examples
Examples of circuit switching are:
- Analog telephone network
- Optical mesh network
- Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
Phases of Circuit Switching
Circuit Establishment
A dedicated circuit between the source and the destination is established with the help of numerous intermediate switching centres. The requesting and receiving of the communication signals are possible when the sender and receiver transmit signals across the circuit.
Data Transfer
The transfer of data and voice signals are possible between the source and the destination after the establishment of the circuit. The connection between both the end parties continues as long as they communicate.
Circuit Disconnection
The disconnection in the circuit happens when one of the users initiates to disconnect. When the disconnection takes place, all the intermediate links between the sender and receiver are removed.
Characteristics of Circuit Switched Network
- It is also known as the public network.
- Handling digital data and traffic is easy as the signals are voice signals.
- The transfer of electric current along with the voice signal is possible.
- The process is known as connection-oriented.
- In a circuit switching network, the establishment of the path takes place first and then the data transmission takes place.
- The amount of data transferred in the circuit switching is fixed.
- The termination of the path is possible only when there is a termination of the connection.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Circuit Switching
Advantages
- This type of switching technique is suitable for the continuous transmission of data as the data remains in conservation.
- The rate of communication is steady as a dedicated path for transmission.
- With the establishment of the circuit, there are no intermediate delays that make it suitable for voice and data transmission.
Disadvantages
- As there is an establishment of a dedicated connection between both ends, the transmission of any other data is challenging.
- Data with low volume demand high bandwidth.
- The usage of system resources becomes underutilized as the repetition of resources for other connections is not possible.
- The establishment time is high.
Types of Switches in Circuit Switching
There are two types of switches that are used in circuit switching, and they are:
- Space Division Switches
In space division switching, the paths in the circuit are separated from each other. The main purpose of the space division was for the analog network. However, it is used for both analog and digital switching. A switch known as a crosspoint is used in space division switches. It finds applications in digital communication and uses semiconductor gates.
The advantage of a space-division switch is that it is instantaneous and the disadvantage is the number of crosspoints is dependent on the blocking.
- Time-Division Switches
In the time-division switching method, the number of connections travels along the same trunk line. The breaking of the streams into segments takes place with the help of time-division multiplexing, making sure that the segments are sent at specific intervals. The detection of the elements happens with the help of a de-multiplexer.
Difference Between Circuit and Packet Switching
The following is the list of differences between circuit and packet switching:
| Circuit Switching | Packet Switching |
| The transfer of data takes place after the establishment of the dedicated path. | The transfer of data takes place in the form of packets following dynamic routing. |
| It is mainly preferred for voice transmission. | It is mainly preferred for data transmission. |
| The implementation of this type of switching takes place at the physical layer. | The implementation of this type of switching takes place at the network layer. |
Read related articles:
| Semiconductor Devices |
| Electronic Communication |
| Modulation and Demodulation |
| Differences between Circuit and Packet Switching |
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What are the methods to move data through a network of links and switches?
The two methods to move data through a network of links and switches are packet switching and circuit switching. Packet switching is used in conventional LAN systems, and circuit switching is used in telephonic systems.
What is switching?
Switching is defined as transferring data packets from the source to the destination by sending them from one port to another.
What are different types of switching techniques?
There are three different types of switching techniques:
- Circuit switching
- Message switching
- Packet switching
Name the switches that are used in circuit switching.
The following are the switches that are used in circuit switching:
- Space Division Switches
- TDM Bus
- Time Domain Switches
State true or false: In circuit switching, the transfer of data takes place after the establishment of the dedicated path.
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