A Circuit Switched Network is a type of communication network where a dedicated communication path is established between two nodes (e.g., computers) for the duration of their conversation. It’s similar to making a phone call where a connection is set up and remains active until the call ends. The essence here is the establishment of a dedicated channel or circuit for transferring data between the nodes, which is either kept open for the entire communication session or can be switched off when it’s not in use. This network is what traditional telephone systems usually use.
Circuit Switched Network Examples
1. Traditional Telephone System
The traditional telephone system is a classic example of a Circuit Switched Network. This network operates on a connection-based methodology where a dedicated communication path is established each time you make a call.
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Whenever you dial a number, a physical circuit is created between your phone and the recipient’s phone. This pathway doesn’t break until you or the recipient ends the call. What this implies is that, for the entire duration of your call, you have an exclusive channel for communication, free from the interference of any other users’ connections.
Circuit Switched Networks, such as these, assure the reliability of communication between both parties. However, they are not the most efficient, because even when there’s silence or no verbal communication happening, the circuit continues to exist and can’t be used for any other data transmission.
2. Dial-Up Internet Connection
The Dial-Up Internet Connection is another classic example of a Circuit Switched Network. Back in the early days of the internet, dial-up connection was the most common method of accessing the web.
Here’s how it worked: When you wanted to log on to the internet, your computer modem dialed a phone number provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This call established a connection, creating a dedicated circuit between your modem and the ISP. This line remained open and exclusively used for your internet browsing until the moment you chose to disconnect.
Similar to the traditional telephone system, this network type ensured secure and continuous connection but lacked efficiency. The dial-up connection occupied the telephone line for the entire duration of the internet session, which meant you could not make or receive any calls during this time. It also did not make the best use of bandwidth as the line remained engaged even during periods of inactivity on the internet.
3. Fax Machines
Fax machines also operate on a Circuit Switched Network. A fax machine’s purpose is to send scans of documents from one machine to another via a telephone line, which is an application of the traditional circuit-switching technology.
When a document is sent through a fax machine, the sending machine picks up the telephone line and dials the receiving fax machine. Upon connection, they establish a communication path. This path remains in use during the entire transmission process.
In this example, the dedicated line ensures the secure transmission of the document images. Despite this, as a feature of Circuit Switched Networks, when in use, the telephone line used for the fax transmission can’t be used for other communications, and remains engaged even at times when no data is being sent, until the fax transmission process is complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Circuit Switched Network forms the backbone of several traditional communication systems, from telephones to dial-up internet connections and fax machines. Despite its lack of efficiency in bandwidth usage, its unique attribute of providing secure, dedicated communication paths makes it instrumental in specific scenarios where continuous and undisturbed communication channels are essential.
Key Takeaways
- A Circuit Switched Network is a type of communication system where a dedicated path is created for the duration of the communication.
- Common examples of Circuit Switched Networks include the traditional telephone system, dial-up internet connections, and fax transmissions.
- A Circuit Switched Network tends to be reliable as it offers a dedicated line of communication, but it’s not the most bandwidth-efficient.
- During a call or a session in a Circuit Switched Network, the line cannot be used by anyone else, even at times when no data is being transferred.
- Despite some of its limitations, Circuit Switched Networks are instrumental where a secure and undisturbed line of communication is crucial.
Related Questions
1. What’s the main difference between Packet Switching and Circuit Switching?
Packet Switching and Circuit Switching are two networking technologies. The main difference between them lies in how they handle data. While Circuit Switching creates a dedicated pathway for the entire communication duration, Packet Switching involves breaking down data into smaller packets, with each packet sent individually over the internet, possibly through different routes.
2. Can Circuit Switching and Packet Switching be used together?
Yes, they can. Some networks use both Circuit Switching and Packet Switching to combine the reliability of Circuit Switching with the flexibility and efficiency of Packet Switching.
3. What are the disadvantages of a Circuit Switched Network?
The primary disadvantage of a Circuit Switched Network is inefficiency in bandwidth usage. As a dedicated path remains open throughout the communication, even when no data is being transmitted, it can lead to wastage of network resources.
4. What’s an alternative to Circuit Switching?
Packet Switching is a widely-adopted alternative to Circuit Switching. In Packet Switching, data is broken down into small packets that are transmitted individually over the network, allowing for more efficient use of network resources.
5. Are Circuit Switched Networks obsolete?
No, Circuit Switched Networks are not obsolete. Although many networks now prefer Packet Switching for its efficiency, Circuit Switching still plays a vital role in specific applications and situations where dedicated channels for communication are considered important.
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