This document compares circuit switching and packet switching. Circuit switching requires establishing a physical path between the source and destination, reserves the entire bandwidth in advance, and does not support store and forward transmission. In contrast, packet switching does not require a physical path, packets can travel independently, does not reserve bandwidth in advance to avoid wastage, and supports store and forward transmission. It also allows for alternate routing if the connection fails, while circuit switching does not allow for alternate routes.

1. What is the Difference between the circuit switching and packet switching
Distinguish between Circuit Switching &
Packet Switching
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2. Objectives
On completion of this period, you would be able
to know about
The differences between circuit switching and
packet switching
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3. Circuit Switching Vs Packet Switching
Circuit Switching Packet Switching
Physical path between
No physical path
source and destination
All packets use same Packets travel
path independently
Reserve the entire
Does not reserve
bandwidth in advance
No Bandwidth
Bandwidth Wastage
wastage
No store and forward Supports store and
transmission forward transmission
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4. Circuit Switching Packet Switching
Suitable for bulk data
transfer Not suitable
Takes time in establishing No delay in establishing a
the connection connection
No alternate route is Alternate routing of
possible in case of packets is possible
connection failure
Charge is based on Charge is based on data
distance and time but not
on data
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5. Summary
In this class, you have learnt about
• Circuit Switching
• Establishing ,Forwarding & Terminating the
connection
• Advantages &Disadvantages
• Packet Switching
• Virtual circuit & Datagram concept
• Store & Forward
• Comparison based on length, path, delay, B.W
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6. Quiz
(1) In Circuit Switching physical path is required
T/F
True
(2) Alternate Routing in Packet Switching is possible
T/F
True 6

7. Quiz
(3) Circuit Switching reserves entire Bandwidth
T/F
True
(4) Packet Switching supports Store and
forward transmission T/F
True
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8. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Compare circuit switching and packet switching
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