Computer Science – 14.2 Circuit switching, packet switching | e-Consult

Packet switching is a method of data transmission where data is broken down into small units called packets. Each packet contains a header with addressing information (source and destination) and the data itself. These packets are then routed independently through the network, potentially taking different paths to reach the destination.

The key steps involved are:

• Segmentation: The sending device divides the data into packets.
• Packet Formation: Each packet is encapsulated with a header containing source and destination addresses, sequence numbers, and error detection codes.
• Routing: Packets are routed independently through the network based on their destination addresses. Routers examine the destination address in the packet header and forward the packet to the next hop.
• Reassembly: At the destination, the packets are reassembled in the correct order based on the sequence numbers in the headers.

Advantages of Packet Switching:

• Efficient Use of Bandwidth: Bandwidth is only used when packets are being transmitted.
• Robustness: If one path is congested or unavailable, packets can be rerouted.
• Flexibility: Supports various data types and variable data sizes.

Disadvantages of Packet Switching:

• Variable Delay: Packets may experience different delays due to varying network conditions.
• Overhead: The packet headers add overhead to the data transmission.
• Complexity: Requires more complex network infrastructure than circuit switching.

Comparison with Circuit Switching: Circuit switching establishes a dedicated, end-to-end connection before data transmission begins. Packet switching does not require a dedicated connection; packets are routed independently. Circuit switching guarantees bandwidth, while packet switching does not. Circuit switching has a fixed delay, while packet switching has variable delay. Packet switching is generally more efficient for bursty data traffic.