What is the Difference Between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching?

Circuit switching and packet switching are two different methods of switching used in communication networks. The main differences between them are as follows:

1. Connection: Circuit switching is connection-oriented, meaning it establishes a dedicated communication path between two devices before data transmission begins. In contrast, packet switching is connectionless, and data is sent in discrete units, each following a dynamic route.
2. Data Transmission: In circuit switching, data is sent through a dedicated circuit, which is established between the source and the destination. In packet switching, data is segmented into packets, and each packet follows an independent route through the network.
3. Network Layer: Circuit switching is implemented at the physical layer, while packet switching is implemented at the data link layer and network layer.
4. End Terminal: In circuit switching, the logical end terminal is the telephone and modem, while in a packet-switched network, the end terminal is typically a computer.
5. Technologies in Use: Circuit switching uses time and space division switching, while packet switching uses the datagram and virtual circuit approaches.
6. Bandwidth Utilization: Circuit switching reserves bandwidth for the duration of the session, even when no data is being transmitted. Packet switching, on the other hand, does not reserve bandwidth, and multiple sessions can share the same path.

In summary, circuit switching establishes a dedicated connection between two points for data transmission, while packet switching divides data into packets and sends them through a shared network, with each packet potentially following a different route.

Comparative Table: Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching

Here is a table comparing the differences between circuit switching and packet switching:

In summary, circuit switching establishes a dedicated path between two devices before data transmission begins, Fixed bandwidth is reserved for the duration of the session, and the delay in data transmission is uniform. It is ideal for real-time voice communication. On the other hand, packet switching divides data into smaller units called packets, with each packet containing source and destination addresses. Packets may take different paths to reach their destination, allowing for more efficient use of bandwidth. Packet switching is preferred for data communication due to its ability to handle non-real-time traffic effectively.