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Switching and why necessary

Short answer

Switching routes data through intermediate nodes to the correct outgoing line. Necessary because direct links between all pairs require n(n-1)/2 links (4950 for 100 devices), while a switched network needs one link per device; it reduces cost, enables any-to-any communication, and allows sharing of transmission lines.

What do you mean by switching in communication? Why is switching necessary?

Meaning

Switching is the method of connecting source and destination nodes through intermediate network nodes (switches) that forward data from the incoming line to the correct outgoing line. Types are circuit, message and packet switching.

Why switching is necessary

  • A direct link between every pair of n devices needs n(n-1)/2 links. For 100 devices this is 4950 links, which is not practical. A switched network needs only one link per device to a switch.
  • It lets many users share expensive transmission lines and equipment.
  • It allows any-to-any communication on a large WAN, such as the telephone system or the Internet.
  • It reduces cost of cabling and ports and makes the network scalable.
  • It supports efficient bandwidth use, routing around failed links and managing congestion.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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