Switching Techniques

Summary

This video provides an overview of the three main switching techniques used in computer networks: circuit switching, message switching, and packet switching. It explains how each technique operates, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Circuit switching offers dedicated paths but is resource-heavy and expensive. Message switching allows for flexible data transfer but is slower and requires more storage. Packet switching, which divides data into smaller packets, is cost-effective and efficient but may suffer from delays and packet loss. The video concludes with a summary for easy revision.

Takeaways

• 😀 Switching in computer networks involves selecting a path for data to travel from one computer to another over available options.
• 😀 There are three main types of switching techniques: circuit switching, message switching, and packet switching.
• 😀 In circuit switching, a dedicated path is established for data transfer, ensuring no waiting time or delays at any switch.
• 😀 Circuit switching is efficient for dedicated communication but uses more bandwidth and is expensive due to the need for constant reservation of resources.
• 😀 Message switching does not use a dedicated path; instead, data is stored and forwarded at each intermediate switch until resources are available.
• 😀 The message switching technique can reduce network congestion but is slower because of the store-and-forward process.
• 😀 In packet switching, data is divided into smaller packets, which are sent individually and reassembled at the destination.
• 😀 Packet switching is cost-effective, uses less bandwidth, and allows for quick routing of packets, making it more efficient overall.
• 😀 There are two types of packet switching: virtual circuit switching, where resources are reserved, and datagram switching, where each packet is routed independently.
• 😀 Packet switching is more suited for non-time-sensitive applications but is unsuitable for real-time applications like voice calls due to potential delays and errors.

Q & A

What is switching in a computer network?

Switching in a computer network refers to the process of selecting a path that data must take to travel from one computer to another over multiple available paths.

What are the three main types of switching techniques used in computer networks?

The three main switching techniques are Circuit Switching, Message Switching, and Packet Switching.

How does circuit switching work?

In circuit switching, a dedicated path is established between two endpoints, and resources are reserved at intermediate switches. Data travels over this path, and once transmission is complete, the circuit is disconnected.

What are the advantages of circuit switching?

The advantages of circuit switching include a well-defined, dedicated path for data, no waiting time at switches, and data being transmitted without delay in the correct order.

What are the disadvantages of circuit switching?

Disadvantages of circuit switching include inefficient resource utilization, the long time required to establish a connection, high bandwidth requirements, and higher costs.

What is message switching and how does it work?

In message switching, there is no dedicated path for data. The message is forwarded from one switch to another, and each switch stores the message until resources are available to send it to the next switch. This technique is known as store-and-forward.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of message switching?

The advantages of message switching include reduced channel congestion and no blocking of the channel, while the disadvantages include the need for sufficient storage at switches and the slow speed due to the store-and-forward technique.

What is packet switching?

Packet switching involves dividing a message into smaller packets, which are sent independently and may take different paths to reach the destination. The packets are reassembled at the destination.

What are the two types of packet switching?

The two types of packet switching are Virtual Circuit Switching and Datagram Switching.

How does virtual circuit switching work in packet switching?

In virtual circuit switching, the first packet informs all intermediate switches of the following packets, reserving necessary resources for their transfer, ensuring that all packets follow the same path.

What is the difference between virtual circuit switching and datagram switching?

In virtual circuit switching, all packets follow the same path, and resources are reserved for the transmission, while in datagram switching, each packet is routed independently, without a predetermined path.

What are the advantages of packet switching?

The advantages of packet switching include cost-effectiveness, efficient bandwidth usage, smaller space requirements, and the ability to request lost packets.

What are the disadvantages of packet switching?

The disadvantages of packet switching include its unsuitability for real-time applications like voice calls, higher installation costs, the complexity of delivery protocols, and the potential for packet errors or delays.

What is the store-and-forward technique used in message switching?

The store-and-forward technique in message switching involves storing the entire message at a switch until there are sufficient resources to forward it to the next switch.