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Circuit vs packet switching
Short answer
Circuit switching sets up a dedicated path before transfer, guaranteeing constant delay but wasting bandwidth when idle. Packet switching breaks data into packets that share links dynamically, giving efficient use but variable delay and possible out-of-order delivery.
Differentiate between circuit switching and packet switching.
In circuit switching a dedicated path is set up between sender and receiver before data transfer and held until the call ends (telephone network). In packet switching the message is broken into packets that are sent independently and share links on demand (Internet).
| Point | Circuit switching | Packet switching |
|---|---|---|
| Path | Dedicated physical path for the whole session | No dedicated path; each packet is routed separately |
| Phases | Setup, data transfer, release | No setup in datagram; setup only in virtual circuit |
| Bandwidth | Reserved, wasted when idle | Shared dynamically, efficient use |
| Delay | Setup delay, then constant and small | Variable delay (queuing at routers) |
| Order of data | Always in order | May arrive out of order (datagram) |
| Congestion | Call blocked at setup time | Packets delayed or dropped |
| Store and forward | No | Yes |
| Reliability | If a node fails the call is lost | Packets can be rerouted |
| Suitable for | Real-time voice | Data (bursty traffic) |
| Header overhead | None after setup | Each packet has a header |
| Example | PSTN | Internet, X.25, Frame Relay |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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