a) Circuit switching is a communication technique used in telecommunications networks in which a dedicated communication path is established before any communication can occur between parties. This path remains active for the duration of the communication session, ensuring a constant connection between the parties.
Packet switching, on the other hand, is a communication technique used in computer networks in which data is broken down into smaller packets before being transmitted. These packets are then sent individually over the network and may take different routes to reach their destination. Once all packets arrive at the destination, they are reassembled into the original data.
b) The main differences between circuit switching and packet switching techniques are:
1. Establishment of Connection: Circuit switching requires the establishment of a dedicated communication path before the communication can begin, while packet switching does not require any pre-established connection.
2. Resource Allocation: In circuit switching, resources are allocated for the entire duration of the communication session, even if no data is being transmitted. In packet switching, resources are only allocated for the duration of each individual packet transmission.
3. Flexibility: Packet switching allows for more flexible and efficient use of network resources as packets can take different routes to reach their destination. Circuit switching, on the other hand, follows a fixed path for the entire duration of the communication session.
4. Overhead: Circuit switching has more overhead as resources need to be allocated for the entire duration of the communication session. Packet switching has lower overhead as resources are only allocated for the duration of each packet transmission.
5. Delay: Circuit switching can introduce delay as the connection needs to be established before communication can begin. Packet switching can have lower delays as packets can be transmitted as soon as they are ready.
Overall, packet switching is more widely used in modern networks due to its flexibility, efficiency, and scalability compared to circuit switching.
a) DESCRIBE CIRCUIT SWITCHHING AND POCKET SWITCHING
b) IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SWITCHING AND PACKET SWITCHHING TECHNIQUES
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