The document explains circuit switching and virtual circuit as two primary data transmission methods in communication networks, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Circuit switching provides dedicated paths for real-time applications, ensuring low latency and guaranteed bandwidth, while virtual circuits offer logical connections with packet switching for flexible and efficient data transmission. The comparison highlights that circuit switching is more resource-intensive but faster, whereas virtual circuits are more efficient and scalable but may incur variable latency.

1. Introduction to
Circuit Switching
and Virtual Circuit
Circuit switching and virtual circuit are two primary methods of data
transmission in communication networks. They each offer distinct
advantages and disadvantages, influencing their suitability for different
applications. Understanding these methods is crucial for grasping the
fundamental concepts of network communication.
Made by:
Name:ABHAY BHARGAVA
enrollment no.:04220602023

2. Circuit Switching: Definition and
Characteristics
Circuit switching is a network technology where a dedicated physical path is established between two communicating devices
for the duration of their communication. This dedicated path guarantees the bandwidth and latency required for real-time
applications. The connection is established during a connection setup phase and remains active until the connection is
terminated.
Dedicated Path
A physical path is established
between the sender and receiver for
the entire duration of communication.
Guaranteed
Bandwidth
The allocated bandwidth is exclusively
used by the communicating parties,
ensuring predictable performance.
Real-Time
Communication
Circuit switching is suitable for
applications requiring low latency,
such as voice calls and video
conferencing.

3. Establishment of a Circuit-Switched
Connection
The process of establishing a circuit-switched connection involves multiple steps. First, the source device sends a connection request to the
destination device. This request traverses the network, requesting a dedicated path. Once the path is established, data transmission can commence.
1
Connection Request
The source device initiates a
connection request to the
destination device.
2
Path Establishment
The network allocates a
dedicated physical path
between the source and
destination.
3
Data Transmission
Once the path is established,
data transmission can begin
over the dedicated connection.
4
Connection
Termination
When communication ends,
the connection is terminated,
and the dedicated path is
released.

4. Advantages of Circuit Switching
Circuit switching offers several advantages, making it suitable for specific
applications. The dedicated path ensures real-time performance, ideal for
applications sensitive to latency and jitter. Additionally, the predictable bandwidth
allocation ensures consistent quality for real-time communication.
1 Real-Time
Performance
Dedicated paths guarantee low
latency and jitter, crucial for real-
time applications like voice and
video calls.
2 Guaranteed
Bandwidth
The allocated bandwidth is
reserved for the communicating
devices, ensuring consistent data
rate and predictable
performance.
3 Security
The dedicated path provides a secure channel, as data is transmitted over a
single, isolated route.

5. Disadvantages of Circuit
Switching
Despite its advantages, circuit switching has limitations. The dedicated path
requires a significant amount of network resources, making it inefficient for
applications with intermittent data transmission. The connection setup process also
adds overhead, increasing latency for short messages.
Inefficient for Intermittent
Data
The dedicated path is reserved
even when no data is being
transmitted, wasting bandwidth
and resources.
Connection Setup
Overhead
The connection setup process adds
latency, making it unsuitable for
short messages or bursty data
transmissions.
Scalability Issues
Managing a large number of dedicated paths can be challenging and can limit
the scalability of the network.

6. Virtual Circuit: Definition and
Concept
Virtual circuit technology establishes a logical connection between communicating devices, mimicking the behavior of a dedicated physical path. It
uses packet switching for data transmission, offering flexibility and efficiency compared to circuit switching. The connection setup phase establishes
a virtual path, and data packets follow this path for the entire duration of communication.
Connection Setup
A virtual path is established between the
source and destination devices.
Data Transmission
Data packets are transmitted along the
virtual path, with each packet containing a
virtual circuit identifier.
Data Delivery
The packets arrive at the destination device
in the same order they were sent,
maintaining communication flow.

7. Establishment of a Virtual Circuit
Connection
Establishing a virtual circuit connection involves a similar process to circuit switching, but the connection is logical rather than physical.
During setup, packets traverse the network to establish the virtual path. Once the virtual path is established, data transmission can begin.
Circuit Switching Virtual Circuit
Dedicated Physical Path Logical Connection
Connection Setup Requires Resources Resource-Efficient
Fixed Bandwidth Variable Bandwidth

8. Advantages
1.Packets are delivered to the receiver in
the same order sent by the sender.
2.Virtual circuit is a reliable network circuit.
3.There is no need for overhead in each
packet.
4.Single global packet overhead is used in
virtual circuit.
Disadvantages
1.Virtual circuit is costly to
implement.
2.It provides only connection-
oriented service.
3.Always a new connection set up is
required for transmission.
Of virtual circuit

9. Comparison of Circuit
Switching and Virtual Circuit
Circuit switching and virtual circuit offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them
suitable for different applications. Circuit switching provides real-time performance and
guaranteed bandwidth but is resource-intensive. Virtual circuit technology offers flexibility,
efficiency, and scalability but may introduce variable latency.
Speed
Circuit switching offers faster data
transmission speeds due to
dedicated bandwidth.
Efficiency
Virtual circuit technology is more
efficient in terms of network
resource utilization.
Flexibility
Virtual circuit technology allows
for flexible and dynamic data
transmission, accommodating
variable bandwidth needs.
Cost
Circuit switching can be more
expensive due to the dedicated
resource allocation.