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Circuit Switch and Packet Switch Networks

There are two fundamental approaches towards building a network core: packet switching and circuit switching. Packet switching and circuit are the two switching methods that are used to connect the multiple communicating devices with one another.

What is Packet Switching?

Ilustrasi Packet Switching

Packet Switching (Taken from https://alifiarga.wordpress.com/2018/08/07/packet-switching/)

Packet switching is a method of transmitting data by dividing data into several packets before transmitting them. These packets are routed one by one from source to destination. the purpose of dividing the data is to create flexibility in the process of transmitting data. What this means is that data is not transmitted through a special route, rather it is transmitted in parallel by utilizing another connection line that is not too dense.

Packet Switching is implemented at the Network Layer. Packet switching has two approaches Datagram Approach and Virtual Circuit Approach. Here are the approaches :

  1. Datagram Approach
    In datagram approach transmits data packets independently without dependence on other data packets even though they belong to the same message and may also choose different path to reach the destination.

  2. Virtual Circuit Approach
    Virtual Circuit Approach has special route from one station to another that will be used to transmit packets. The relationship between packets belonging to the same message is preserved because they are not independent of each other. Each data packet transmitted is also labeled the path it passes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Packet Switching

  • Advantages

    1. Even though packet switching is not suitable for voice calls such as circuit switching, it has another important advantage compared to circuit switching, namely its efficiency. Packets can find their own data path to the destination address without the need for a special channel.
    2. Packet switching can help eliminate packet loss. With packet switching, data packets can be resent if they do not reach their destination.
    3. Can reduce costs associated with operating the network. by means of being able to transfer general network traffic and voice traffic across the network without the need for dedicated lines. thus, it saves money by not having to pay for one channel available for voice communications.

  • Disadvantages

    1. Not suitable for applications that require minimal latency. On networks that use multiple voice calls, Packet switching cannot provide a good call experience as it will result in intermittent audio and make it difficult for users to understand each other.
    2. The loss of important data due to the network being overwhelmed by traffic congestion, causing packets will be dropped in transit.
    3. Lack of security protocols used to protect packets during data transmission. this is because, the packets transmitted are not assigned IPsec which is extra barrier of security against damage.

What is Circuit Switching?

Ilustrasi Circuit Switching

Circuit Switching (Taken from https://alifiarga.wordpress.com/2018/08/07/circuit-switching/)

Circuit switching is a method for implementing a telecommunications network in which two network nodes form a special communication channel (circuit) through the network before the nodes can communicate. When a connection is established between a sender and a receiver, the entire message travels through the established path from sender to the receiver.

Circuit switching is implemented at the Physical Layer. Circuit switching can be explained with an example of a telephone conversation. When a call is made from one telephone to another, a switch in telephone exchange creates a continuous wiring circuit between the two phones during the call. this is what keeps the connection connected until the conversation on the phone ends.

The Circuit switching is not appropriate for data transmission because data is sent and received in streams, which means that the channel stays idle between bursts of transmission and it will waste bandwidth. There are two technologies used to implement this circuit switching, namely Space Division and Time Division Switching.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Circuit Switching

  • Advantages

    1. One of reason circuit switching model popular is it decreases the amount of delay the user experiences before and during phone calls so caller can enjoy the best end-user experience possible.
    2. The lower of delay makes sure that data packets are delivered in correct sequence so all the content in the call can be understood.

  • Disadvantages

    1. Though circuit switching is ideal for voice communications it isn't right for any other type of connections. It isn't good choice if we are looking to use resources efficiently. So dedicating one channel to a single service leaves it unavailable to other services.
    2. Doubles up to make circuit switching more expensive. It is expensive to provision an entire channel to one service and one individual routing path.

Comparison Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Feature Circuit Switching Packet Switching
Dedicated Path Yes No
Path Information Path dedicated for one conversation Route is established on per conversation with virtual circuit
Delay Call setup delay Call setup delay for virtual circuit (packet transmission delay)
Bandwidth Type Fix bandwidth Dynamic bandwidth
Overload Effects Stop call establishment Can block all establishment and increase packets delay with circuit

Examples and Diagram of Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Circuit switching networks can be used after establishing the connection between the nodes. Circuit switching networks are ideal for real time data transmission, such as standard telephone network landline service.

The following is an illustration of the circuit switching diagram. Circuit Switching Diagram

Packet switching networks are efficient for data that can tolerate transmission delays, such as e-mail message, site data, and become the basis for modern Wide Area Network (WAN) protocols.

The following is an illustration of the packet switching diagram. Packet Switching Diagram

Conclusion

Based on the characteristics, the data transmission process, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of circuit switching network and packet switching network. It can be concluded that circuit switching is more efficient than packet switching in voice transmission, whereas, when it comes to data tansmission, packet switching is more efficient than circuit switching.

Reference

  1. Keary, Tim. (2020, June 26). Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching: Differences, Advantages & Disadvantages. Retrieved February 28, 2021, from https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/circuit-switching-vs-packet-switching/

  2. Tech Differences. Difference Between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching. Retrieved February 28, 2021, from https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-circuit-switching-and-packet-switching.html