Difference between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Circuit switching and packet switching are generally the two most popular switching methods used to link particular devices. Similar to the various methods we use to send packages to others, there are several methods used in the data transfer industry. 

As a techie, it's mandatory to know about circuit switching vs packet switching; the two most widely used switching methods in network engineering. 

Which is why, I have curated this detailed tutorial for you. Backed with practical engineering knowledge I’ve acquired over the years, I’ll help you understand switching techniques and what the key differences between the two are. 

By the end, you will be able to determine which one is commonly used and why.

Circuit Switching

I’ve been a telecommunications engineer for nearly a decade and have seen newer and more advanced techniques come up over the years. However, back when we had traditional telephone networking, circuit switching was extensively used. 

Let’s break it down.

Circuit switching is a network switching technique in which a path or circuit is constructed prior to data transfer. It does not change throughout the transmission. It's almost as if you have your private route to your destination. It is regarded as the most basic form of data transmission because the path is entirely committed to one conversation and ends when the discussion is completed.

The creation of the circuit, the transfer of data, and the disconnection of the same are the three stages that make up the circuit switching process. It is widely observed in voice communication. 

Are you familiar with the telephone that we used to have conversations as kids before cellphones were invented? Those phones are arguably the best illustration of circuit switching.

A phone call between you and a friend can be used as an ideal example to demonstrate this, as the preset course for your talk is already set and terminates when the call is disconnected.

Advantages of Circuit Switching

When I first started in this line of work, circuit switching sure had its own set of advantages that made it a go-to network switching technique:

• Low latency, or the time between speaking and hearing the answer, is usually provided by circuit switching. For real-time communication—like voice calls—where prompt feedback is critical, this is essential.

• It ensures stable communication since the bandwidth is fixed, making it more feasible.

• Circuit switching is considered best for real-time communication as the gap between hearing the information and passing it is low.

• It meets the required level of performance because the bandwidth is set, making communication more smoother. 

  Disadvantages of Circuit Switching

With time, technology brought in newer advancements. Why, so? This technique needed optimization to bypass the following disadvantages:

• Since each and every channel has its own bandwidth, the requirement for bandwidth is potentially high, even though no data is transmitted.

• For every connection, a separate connection is made, which results in n connections, which further leads to its downfall on the basis of performance, making it a disadvantage.

• In circuit switching vs packet switching, circuit switching is evaluated as an expensive technique of network switching as it requires its own individual hardware, making it a herculean task.

• All connections have a dedicated channel, which is wasted if no data is transferred and stays that way until the connection is broken.

Packet Switching

Packet switching is the technique we use nowadays, especially in IP networks. The approach involves breaking up the data into smaller packets and delivering them in a specified order to the designated address, as the name of the technique suggests. 

A packet consists of two parts: the header and the payload. The header includes information about the destination address, while the payload contains the actual data. The presence of packets is the primary aspect; the first point of difference in circuit vs packet switching.

It's more like you are sending a long message to your friend in smaller parts. The message might be sent in different parts, but the destination will be the same. Each packet is assigned a certain number from the sender, and when the packet reaches the receiver, the numbers are reassembled according to the number sent by the sender.

A more realistic example can be the usage of WhatsApp, where the messages are sent in packets to the receiver and have no physical connection, unlike the old telephone cables.

Packet switching also has pros and cons, just like everything else.

Advantages of Packet Switching

Packet switching comes with the following advantages that make it easier for telecommunication engineers to use:

• Sharing resources among multiple users helps to reduce costs, making it a more affordable way to send data.

• Its versatility is to be commended, as it can handle a wide range of data and process multiple packets at the same time.

• Versatility being one of the advantages, packet switching can handle lesser amounts of data flow and larger amounts of data flow as well.

• The bandwidth is shared among other users and is used only when the data is transmitted, which can be considered one of the key points of difference between circuit switching and packet switching.

• They don't require a dedicated channel to send data, as the data is received without a specific channel.

• With the ability to send data in packets, it saves time and resources by enabling us to identify missing data and resend it.

Disadvantages of Packet Switching

Nothing comes without its own set of cons. Despite packet switching being used more in the recent digital landscape, it also comes with the following disadvantages:

• Lack of security in packet switching is one of the most important aspects in a world where cybercrimes are becoming more common.

• Due to the high likelihood of packet loss, communication may be hampered, making it challenging for you to comprehend the message.

• It can be argued that it is inappropriate for real-time communication because of the possibility of packet loss and security issues, which impede communication.

• Compared to circuit switching, the rate of latency is higher because packets must travel through specific routes, which can add to the delay. 

Similarities

While talking about circuit switching vs packet switching, not just their differences but their similarities also come to mind

The two approaches are similar in the following ways:

1.  Both methods—using a connectionless approach (computers) or a physical connection (a phone)—are used to send data to a particular individual.

2. Both have a sender and a recipient at their ends and are utilised for communication.

3. The goal of both methods is to guarantee data accuracy and dependable transmission.

4. Both have a phase where a connection is established, even if it is not a physical one for the transfer of data.

5. For their programs to run smoothly, both depend on networking devices.

Difference Between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching.

What is the difference between circuit switching and packet switching? 

Yes, this is a common question that pops up in your head when discussing switching techniques. 

For techies like us, knowing the difference between the two is as important as knowing how to use WhatsApp. I have illustrated the key differences between circuit switching vs packet switching in the chart below.

Wrapping It Up

Data transfer, in the near future, is expected to reach the speed of light. In my experience as a network engineer, I’m not a stranger to the advancements of such techniques. And this is just the start. 

Network switching techniques like circuit switching and packet switching will only get better in aiding high-speed data transfer. Both techniques show their capabilities and are widely used for the process of data transfer.

Hence, understanding the concept of data transfer is vital. This tutorial is meant to be merely an initial guide to help you gain a basic understanding of this field. If you wish to advance your career, upGrad is a reliable learning platform you can turn to.  

With numerous comprehensive and expertly curated professional online courses to choose from, upGrad is a one-stop platform offering top-tier certifications affiliated with esteemed universities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between circuit switching and virtual circuit switching?

The main difference between circuit switching and virtual circuit switching is bandwidth. The bandwidth in circuit switching is fixed. However, in virtual circuit switching (a form of packet switching), it is variable. 

2. Which is more efficient: packet switching or circuit switching?

Packet switching is considered more efficient than circuit switching.

3. What is an example of a circuit switching?

A telephone is a very good example of circuit switching.

4. Is packet switching cheaper than circuit switching?

When the total cost is looked at, circuit switching is cheaper than packet switching.

5. What are the similarities between circuit switching and packet switching?

Some similarities include forming a link, relying on networking devices used for communication, assuring data accuracy, and transferring data.

6. Where is circuit switching used?

Circuit switching is used in telephonic systems where the formation of a physical connection is mandatory.

7. What is the main advantage of packet switching vs circuit switching?

The most important advantage is the ability of the data packets to find the destination without any physical connection.

8. Is packet switching faster than circuit switching?

Generally, packet switching is considerably faster than circuit switching as the information is shared in the form of packets.

9. Does packet switching use store and forward?

Packet switching is well-known for its usage of store and forward techniques.