Network Switching

☞ A switched network is made up of a series of interconnected nodes called switches.

☞ Switching Techniques : It is the technique of sending data across the network.

☞ Three types of switching techniques are :

1. Circuit Switching
2. Packet Switching
3. Message Switching

1. Circuit Switching :
   • It provides an end-to-end connection between two computers.
   • In this technique, there is a dedicated link between the sender and the receiver and no other user can use it even if the path remains idle.
2. Packet Switching :
   • It offers no direct connection between sender and receiver.
   • In this technique, the entire data is divided into small fragments called packets(128 or 512 bytes).
   • Each packet follows different routes and therefore the packets are delivered in a random order at the destination address.
   • The packets are arranged in a sequential order using TCP protocol.
3. Message Switching :
   • It is also known as store and forward switching technique.
   • It offers no direct connection between the sender and receiver.
   • In this technique, the message is completely received at an intermediate node, stored temporarily, and then forwarded to the next node or destination. This process continues until the message reaches its destination.