DeepSite - 🧬 RemixUnderstanding Packet Switching vs Circuit Switching
Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path between two network nodes before the communication begins. The entire bandwidth is reserved for this connection, even when no data is being transmitted.
Traditional telephone networks where a dedicated line is established for the duration of the call.
Packet switching divides data into packets that are sent independently through the network. Each packet may take a different route and is reassembled at the destination.
The Internet, where data is broken into packets that travel through various routes to reach their destination.
Watch how circuit switching establishes a dedicated path before any data is transmitted. The path remains reserved even during idle periods.
Observe how packet switching sends data in discrete chunks that can take different paths through the network. Each packet finds its own route to the destination.
| Criteria | Circuit Switching | Packet Switching |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Communication | Preferred | With QoS |
| Data Transmission | Not ideal | Ideal |
| Network Efficiency | Low | High |
| Setup Time | Significant | Minimal |
| Modern Applications | Traditional phone networks | Internet, VoIP, streaming |