I.

Discuss the following switching concepts in Data Communication and other communication systems:

1. Circuit Switching
This occurs when two nodes communicate with one another via a dedicated communication channel This
uses a pre-specified route where the data will travel and no other data is permitted; in order to transfer data,
the circuit must be established. Some examples include the use of telephones, where a virtual path is
established between the callers over the network before making a call.
Circuit switching is a technique used for packet-based network communications that ensures quality of
service (QoS) and is used to transport periodical streams. It optimizes the use of bandwidth by switching
from one communication circuit to another when needed, instead of keeping the connection open all the time.
It is a method of transferring data from one point to another by first establishing a virtual private link for the
duration of the transfer and then disconnecting it after its completion. This way, both ends can remain
connected as needed and switch between different circuits as necessary.

2. Message Switching
Message switching is a message routing service that enables enterprise and third-party applications to
exchange messages securely and reliably, without requiring them to be deployed in the same Virtual Private
Network (VPN) or network segment.
Message switching can also improve application performance by load balancing between different locations.
It’s an essential part of any hybrid communications architecture.
The messages are treated as a data unit and are switched in their entire length. It first receives the entire
message and buffers it until it is ready if the message is large and there are resources available to transfer it.
Because there are insufficient resources to accommodate the message, it is saved and switched waits.
There are three main reasons why organizations deploy message switching services: performance, security,
and failover. These services are also known as message brokers or intermediation services. They add value
by enabling applications to exchange information directly while hiding the details of network topology from
the users of those applications.

3. Packet Switching
Packet switching is a data communications technology that divides data into packets, which are then
transmitted individually over different paths to their destination. Packets may be sent from source to
destination via one or more networks of packet switches on the internet. There are two types of packets
switching: store-and-forward and cut-through. The former is used when the communication involves a single
destination, while the latter is used for point-to-point communications.

II. Enumerate their advantages and disadvantages

1. Circuit Switching
Advantages
 a. Dedicated Channel
b. Secured
c. High Quality
d. Reliable
Disadvantages
a. Latency
b. Expensive
c. Inefficient
d. Limited Usage
2. Message Switching
Advantages

a. Efficient – more device shares same channel

b. Clear
c. Incorporation of Priority Messages
d. High Storage Mechanism
Disadvantages
a. Limited to messages (voice and video not compatible)
b. Expensive
c. Unsecure
d. Complications
a. Unaware of the status of the message
e. Unreliable
3. Packet Switching
Advantages
a. Efficient
b. Less delay
c. Can resend lost data packet
d. Reliable than circuit switching
a. Detects the missing packet
Disadvantages
a. Delay
a. Heavy Usage
b. Complex
a. Security Protocols
b. Every node
c. Only for small data
d. Unreliable
a. High-Volume networks
b. High traffic
c. Needs to resend data packets