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commutation(packet_circuit)

Commutation in networking is the method of data transfer between devices, crucial for efficiency and reliability in WANs, with main types being circuit switching, packet switching, and virtual circuit switching. Circuit switching provides dedicated paths for communication, while packet switching allows data to be sent in packets over shared paths, and virtual circuit switching combines elements of both. The evolution of commutation technologies has led to modern solutions like SD-WAN and AI-driven networking, enhancing performance and flexibility.

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18 views

commutation(packet_circuit)

Commutation in networking is the method of data transfer between devices, crucial for efficiency and reliability in WANs, with main types being circuit switching, packet switching, and virtual circuit switching. Circuit switching provides dedicated paths for communication, while packet switching allows data to be sent in packets over shared paths, and virtual circuit switching combines elements of both. The evolution of commutation technologies has led to modern solutions like SD-WAN and AI-driven networking, enhancing performance and flexibility.

Uploaded by

sme14033
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Introduction to Commutation in Extended Networks

Q1: What is commutation in networking, and why is it important in WANs?


A1:
Commutation in networking refers to how data is transferred between devices across a
network. In Wide Area Networks (WANs), commutation is crucial because it determines the
efficiency, reliability, and cost of data transmission over large distances.
The two main types of commutation are:

 Circuit Switching – A dedicated path is established for communication.

 Packet Switching – Data is broken into packets and transmitted over shared paths.

2. Types of Commutation in Extended Networks

Q2: What are the different types of commutation in extended networks?


A2:

1. Circuit Switching – Used in traditional telephony (e.g., PSTN, ISDN).

2. Packet Switching – Used in modern networks like the Internet and MPLS.

3. Virtual Circuit Switching – Combines aspects of circuit and packet switching.

3. Circuit Switching

Q3: What is circuit switching, and how does it work?


A3:
Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path between two endpoints for
the entire duration of the transmission. The process involves:

1. Call Establishment – A connection is set up between sender and receiver.

2. Data Transfer – Continuous communication happens over the dedicated circuit.

3. Call Termination – The connection is released once the communication is complete.

Examples:

 PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – Traditional voice calls.

 ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) – Digital circuit-switched service for voice
and data.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Circuit Switching


Q4: What are the advantages and disadvantages of circuit switching?
A4:

✅ Advantages:

 Guaranteed bandwidth with low latency.

 Predictable performance since the dedicated path remains constant.

 No packet loss as the entire path is reserved.

❌ Disadvantages:

 Inefficient resource utilization – The circuit remains occupied even during silence.

 High cost due to dedicated resources.

 Slow setup time compared to packet-switched networks.

5. Packet Switching

Q5: What is packet switching, and how does it work?


A5:
Packet switching divides data into smaller packets and transmits them independently over a
shared network. These packets travel via different paths and are reassembled at the
destination.

There are two types of packet switching:

1. Connectionless Packet Switching (Datagram Mode) – Each packet is routed


independently (e.g., IP networks).

2. Connection-Oriented Packet Switching (Virtual Circuit Mode) – A logical path is


established first (e.g., MPLS, ATM).

Examples:

 Internet (IP-based networks)

 MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

 Frame Relay

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Packet Switching

Q6: What are the advantages and disadvantages of packet switching?


A6:
✅ Advantages:

 Efficient use of network resources since paths are shared.

 More scalable – Suitable for large networks like the internet.

 Lower cost compared to circuit switching.

❌ Disadvantages:

 Higher latency due to variable routing paths.

 Packet loss and reordering can occur in congested networks.

 Requires complex error handling and retransmission protocols.

7. Virtual Circuit Switching

Q7: What is virtual circuit switching, and how does it combine circuit and packet switching?
A7:
Virtual circuit switching establishes a logical connection before data transfer, like circuit
switching, but transmits data in packets, like packet switching. It is more efficient than circuit
switching but offers better reliability than packet switching.

Examples:

 ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)

 Frame Relay

 MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

8. Comparison Between Circuit Switching, Packet Switching, and Virtual Circuit Switching

Q8: How do circuit switching, packet switching, and virtual circuit switching compare?
A8:

Feature Circuit Switching Packet Switching Virtual Circuit Switching

Connection Dedicated circuit No pre-established path Logical path

Efficiency Low (wasted bandwidth) High (shared resources) Medium

Latency Low Variable Low

Reliability High Medium High

Example PSTN, ISDN Internet, IP, MPLS Frame Relay, ATM


9. Use Cases of Different Commutation Types in Extended Networks

Q9: Where are these commutation types used in real-world applications?


A9:

1. Circuit Switching: Used in voice calls, emergency communication systems, and


traditional telephony networks.

2. Packet Switching: Used in Internet, VPNs, cloud computing, and modern WANs.

3. Virtual Circuit Switching: Used in MPLS VPNs, enterprise networks, and high-quality
video conferencing.

10. Commutation Type Selection in WANs

Q10: How do telecom operators decide which commutation type to use?


A10:

 For real-time applications (voice, video conferencing) → Circuit switching or MPLS


(virtual circuits) is preferred.

 For internet and cloud services → Packet switching (IP, SD-WAN) is used.

 For enterprise connectivity with QoS needs → MPLS or ATM (virtual circuits).

11. Evolution of Commutation in WANs

Q11: How has commutation technology evolved in WANs?


A11:

 Traditional networks (PSTN, ISDN) used circuit switching for voice and data.

 With the rise of the Internet, packet switching became dominant (IP, Frame Relay).

 Modern WANs now use virtual circuits like MPLS for performance and security.

 Future networks will rely on SD-WAN and AI-based routing for automation.

12. Future of Commutation in WANs

Q12: What are the latest trends in commutation technologies for extended networks?
A12:

 SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) – Uses intelligent routing to optimize performance.


 5G and Edge Computing – High-speed, low-latency connectivity for global networks.

 AI-driven Networking – Uses machine learning to improve network efficiency.

 Convergence of MPLS and Internet – Combining the security of MPLS with the
flexibility of the internet.

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