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Switching

The technique of transferring the information from one computer network to another computer network is known as switching.

Switching Mode

  1. Store and Forward
  2. Cut Through
  3. Fragment-Free

Switching Techniques

  1. Circuit Switching (Time Division, Space Divison)
  2. Message Switching
  3. Packet Switching (Datagram, Virtual Circuit Approach)

1. Circuit Switching

  • A dedicated path between sender and reciever is established.
  • Used in public telephone network.
  • It has 3 phases: circuit establishment, data transfer, circuit disconnnect

2. Message Switching

  • No dedicated path is established between sender and receiver.
  • Message is traferred as a complete unit and routed through intermediate nodes at which it is stored and forwarded.
  • Each and every node stores the entire message and then forward it to the next node.

3. Packet Switching

  • Messages are splitted into packets.
  • Each packet contains some information in it's header such as source address, destination address, sequence number etc
  • These packets will travel accross the network taking the shortest path as possible.
  • All packets are resembled at the receiving end in correct order.
  • There are 2 approach for packet switching: datagram and virtual circuit approach.
  • In datagram approach, nodes takes the routing decision to forward packets.
  • In virtual circuit approach, nodes doesn't take routing descision. A pre-planned route is established.