Switching is the common terminology used in networking.

It is the process of exchanging

information between two communication devices.

Switches are devices that connect devices within a network. Switching uses switches to
forward data from one device to another. Switches use Media Access Control (MAC)
addresses to determine the destination of incoming data and forward it accordingly.

Switching: Forwarding & Filtering Traffic

There are many types of switching: packet, circuit, multilayer, virtual circuit, wide area
network (WAN), and local area network (LAN). Circuiting and virtual circuit switching
almost always refer to WAN or telephone technologies. Packet switching usually concerns a router
or a WAN switch.

It is highly probable that a network will be a mixture of Ethernet and 802.11 nodes. These nodes
will run the Internet Protocol at Layer 3 of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) networking model. The applications will be designed for TCP or the User
Datagram Protocol (UDP).

TCP/IP Model

Application FTP, telnet, email, games, printing, HTTP

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User

Transport
Datagram Protocol (UDP)

Internet (Internetwork) Internet Protocol (IP), ICMP, IGMP

Link layer (Network) Ethernet, 802.11

Physical Ethernet, 802.11

Switches operate at Layer 2 of the TCP/IP model or the Open System Interconnection (OSI)
model. Switches forward data packets on the same network using MAC addresses. At Layer 2,
the data-link layer, packets are known as Ethernet frames. Switches know where to forward
Ethernet frames by keeping a table of MAC addresses.

Switches also:

• Process the Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC)

• Filter out traffic that should not be forwarded, such as local unicast frames

• Prevent the forwarding of collisions

• Prevent the forwarding of frames with errors

Switches provide a collection of features that are part of most medium and large
networks:

• Virtual local area networks (VLANs)

• Simple network management protocol (SNMP)

• Remote management

• Statistics collection

• Port mirroring

• Security such as 802.1X port-based authentication

SWITCHING TECHNOLOGIES

Switching technologies are essential methods and systems used to manage and direct data
traffic across computer networks, enabling efficient communication between devices such as
computers, smartphones, and servers by ensuring data is delivered accurately and with minimal
delay.

Understanding Switching Technologies

Switching technologies play a crucial role in networking. They help manage data traffic inside
local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

These technologies form the backbone of modern networking, with three primary types—
circuit switching, message switching, and packet switching—each serving different purposes
based on network demands.

CIRCUIT SWITCHING

Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path for the duration of a session,
offering consistent connection quality, commonly used in traditional voice networks.

Circuit Switching: This method creates a dedicated communication path between two devices
for the duration of their connection. It is often used in traditional telephone networks.

Circuit Switching is a connection-oriented network that is divided into pieces and has
dedicated path established between the sender and receiver providing a guaranteed data rate.
When two devices want to communicate in a circuit-switched network, they establish
a connection by setting up a dedicated path between them.

• Establishes a dedicated, physical connection (a "circuit") between the sender and

receiver for the duration of the communication.

• Analogous to traditional telephone systems, where a continuous path is

maintained.

Advantages: Guarantees a certain bandwidth and low latency, making it suitable for real-time
applications like voice calls.

Disadvantages: Inefficient resource utilization as the circuit remains active even when no data
is being transmitted.
Circuit switching isn’t commonly used in computer networks, as it isn’t very efficient for data
transmission. We reserve the dedicated path for the entire duration of the communication.
Therefore, we waste a significant amount of bandwidth during those times. Additionally,
circuit switching is not well-suited for networks with high traffic volumes.

However, we still use circuit switching in some specialized applications, such as in satellite
communications, where the delay of packet switching can be prohibitive.

Circuit Switching Examples

Examples of circuit switching are:

• Analog telephone network

• Optical mesh network

• Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

Phases of Circuit Switching

Circuit Establishment

A dedicated circuit between the source and the destination is established with the help of
numerous intermediate switching centres. The requesting and receiving of the
communication signals are possible when the sender and receiver transmit signals across
the circuit.

Data Transfer

The transfer of data and voice signals are possible between the source and the destination after
the establishment of the circuit. The connection between both the end parties continues
as long as they communicate.

Circuit Disconnection

The disconnection in the circuit happens when one of the users initiates to disconnect. When the
disconnection takes place, all the intermediate links between the sender and receiver are
removed.
Characteristics of Circuit Switched Network

• It is also known as the public network.

• Handling digital data and traffic is easy as the signals are voice signals.

• The transfer of electric current along with the voice signal is possible.

• The process is known as connection-oriented.

• In a circuit switching network, the establishment of the path takes place first and then
the data transmission takes place.

• The amount of data transferred in the circuit switching is fixed.

• The termination of the path is possible only when there is a termination of the
connection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Circuit Switching

Advantages

• This type of switching technique is suitable for the continuous transmission of data
as the data remains in conservation.

• The rate of communication is steady as a dedicated path for transmission.

• With the establishment of the circuit, there are no intermediate delays that make it
suitable for voice and data transmission.

Disadvantages

• As there is an establishment of a dedicated connection between both ends, the

transmission of any other data is challenging.

• Data with low volume demand high bandwidth.

• The usage of system resources becomes underutilized as the repetition of resources for
other connections is not possible.

• The establishment time is high.

Types of Switches in Circuit Switching

There are two types of switches that are used in circuit switching, and they are:

• Space Division Switches

In space division switching, the paths in the circuit are separated from each other. The
main purpose of the space division was for the analog network. However, it is used for
both analog and digital switching. A switch known as a crosspoint is used in space division
switches. It finds applications in digital communication and uses semiconductor gates.

The advantage of a space-division switch is that it is instantaneous and the disadvantage is the
number of crosspoints is dependent on the blocking.

• Time-Division Switches

In the time-division switching method, the number of connections travels along the same trunk
line. The breaking of the streams into segments takes place with the help of time-division
multiplexing, making sure that the segments are sent at specific intervals. The
detection of the elements happens with the help of a de-multiplexer.
PACKET SWITCHING

• Packet Switching: This approach breaks data into smaller packets that travel independently
through the network. Each packet can take a different route to reach its destination. The
Internet uses packet switching.

• Divides data into smaller packets, each containing source and destination
addresses, and sequence numbers.

• Packets are transmitted independently across the network and can take different
paths.

Packet switching is a method used to transmit data over a network. We divide data into small
packets and transmit them over the network independently. Each packet contains the data and
destination address information required to route the packet to its destination.
In packet switching, each packet travels separately through the network and can take different paths
to reach its destination. This approach allows for more efficient use of network resources because
we can transmit multiple packets simultaneously over the same network.

Packet switching is the basis for the Internet, which uses the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols for communication between devices. In this system, we transmit
packets between devices, and routers along the way use the destination address information in each
packet to route it to the next hop until it reaches its destination.
Packet switching is a robust and reliable method of data transmission. If one packet is lost or
delayed, it doesn’t affect the transmission of other packets, as we route packets independently
through the network.

Packet switching is highly flexible. It can easily adapt to changing traffic patterns and network
conditions.

Advantages

• Efficient resource utilization as multiple packets can share the same network resources, and
it's more resilient to network failures.
• Packet switching offers several advantages over other data transmission methods, such as
circuit switching. Let’s discuss some of the key benefits of packet switching.
• It allows multiple packets to be transmitted simultaneously over the network, making more
efficient use of the available bandwidth.

Disadvantages

• Can experience higher latency and jitter due to the independent routing of packets.
• While packet switching offers many advantages, there’re also some potential disadvantages.

The process of breaking data into packets and adding header information to each packet can
introduce additional overhead and latency into the transmission process. This can increase the
time required for packets to reach their destination. Additionally, it can reduce the overall speed of
data transmission.

It can be vulnerable to security threats such as packet sniffing. This can compromise the privacy
and security of data transmitted over the network. Furthermore, it can be complex to set up and
manage, particularly in larger or more complex networks.

MESSAGE SWITCHING

Message Switching: In this method, entire messages are sent from one device to another, stored
temporarily at each stop until the next hop is ready to send it onward. This method is less common
but still used in some systems.

• Transmits complete messages, including the destination address, from one node to
another.

• Messages are stored and forwarded at each intermediate node until they reach their
destination.

Message switching is a method of data transmission that was popular in the early days of networking,
before the development of packet switching. In message switching, we divide a message into
fixed-length blocks or frames.
Furthermore, we transmit each frame independently through the network. Additionally, each
intermediate node stores the frames until the entire message is received. Finally, the nodes forward
the entire message to its destination.

Unlike packet switching, message switching is a store-and-forward method of data transmission. It

means that each intermediate node stores the entire message until it can be forwarded to the next
node. This can result in longer transmission times compared to packet switching. We can only
transmit each message when an intermediate node receives all the parts of the message.

Advantages

Flexible and can handle variable-length messages.

While message switching is an older method of data transmission that has largely been replaced by
packet switching, it does offer some advantages.

Message switching is a highly reliable method of data transmission. Each intermediate node
stores the entire message until it can be forwarded to the next node. This reduces the risk of data loss
or corruption, as we store each message at intermediate nodes before forwarding them.

It’s a simple method of data transmission that doesn’t require complex routing algorithms or network
management techniques. This makes it easy to implement and manage, particularly in small or low-
bandwidth networks.

Message switching has a lower overhead compared to other methods of data transmission. This
means that more bandwidth is available for data transmission.

Disadvantages

Can be slower than packet switching due to the need to wait for entire messages to be received at
each node.

It has several disadvantages compared to other methods.

Message switching has a higher latency compared to other methods, such as packet
switching. Additionally, it can be inefficient in terms of network resource utilization because each
intermediate node must store the entire message until it can be forwarded.

Finally, it requires more network resources for each message. This means that message-switching
networks may be unable to support large numbers of devices or high-bandwidth applications.
VIRTUAL CIRCUIT SWITCHING

Virtual circuit switching is a type of packet switching that combines elements of both circuit
switching and packet switching to create a more efficient and reliable communication method. In
this approach, a logical path, or virtual circuit, is established between the sender and receiver before
any data packets are transmitted. Although no physical circuit is dedicated throughout the
transmission, all packets follow the same predetermined path, maintaining the order of delivery.
Virtual circuit switching ensures consistent quality of service (QoS) and efficient use of network
resources, making it suitable for applications that require reliable and sequenced data transmission,
such as video conferencing or VoIP.

Examples of technologies that use virtual circuit switching include Frame Relay, Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM), and certain implementations of MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching).

Virtual Circuit Switching:

• A hybrid approach that combines aspects of circuit and packet switching.

• Establishes a virtual connection (a logical path) between the sender and receiver,
similar to circuit switching, but uses packets to transmit data, similar to packet
switching.

Advantages: Offers a balance between the guaranteed bandwidth of circuit switching and the
efficient resource utilization of packet switching.

Disadvantages: Can be more complex to implement than circuit or packet switching.

SWITCHING DEVICES

Switching technologies rely on various types of devices to function:

• Switches: These devices connect multiple devices within a network. They send data only to
the device that needs it, which helps reduce congestion.

• Routers: While not solely for switching, routers manage data traffic between different
networks. They direct packets to their destination based on the IP addresses.

• Hubs: A simpler type of device, hubs connect multiple devices but send data to all connected
devices, which can create traffic issues.

BENEFITS OF SWITCHING TECHNOLOGIES

Switching technologies offer several advantages:

• Efficiency: By directing data traffic intelligently, switching technologies improve network

performance.

• Speed: These technologies help reduce delays, allowing for faster communication between
devices.

• Scalability: Switching systems can easily grow with an organization, accommodating more
devices as needed.
APPLICATIONS OF SWITCHING TECHNOLOGIES

Switching technologies play a vital role in the functioning of modern computer networks. They are
employed in various applications across different industries to facilitate efficient data
communication.

Switching technologies are used in various settings, including:

• Businesses: Companies use these technologies to connect computers, printers, and

servers within their networks.

• Data Centers: Large data centers rely on advanced switching to manage enormous amounts
of data traffic effectively.

• Telecommunications: Service providers use switching technologies to connect customers

to networks and each other.

We use switching techniques in computer networks to connect devices and allow them to
communicate with each other.

Here are the key ways switching technologies are used:

1. Network Connectivity

In local area networks (LANs), switching technologies connect multiple devices such as computers,
printers, and servers. By directing data traffic, switches ensure that information reaches its intended
destination quickly and without unnecessary delays. This connectivity is essential in office
environments where multiple users need to access resources simultaneously.

2. Data Traffic Management

Switching technologies help manage data traffic in both small and large networks. For
instance, packet switching allows data to be broken into smaller packets, which can take different
paths to their destination. This technique optimizes bandwidth usage and reduces congestion,
making networks more efficient.

3. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

VLANs utilize switching technologies to segment a network into smaller, isolated sections. This
practice enhances security and improves performance by reducing broadcast traffic. Organizations
use VLANs to group devices based on function, department, or project, allowing for better traffic
management and organization within the network.

4. Improving Collaboration

Switching technologies facilitate better communication between devices within a network. By

ensuring that data packets are delivered quickly and accurately, these technologies enable smooth
collaboration among team members, whether they are working on shared documents or
participating in video conferencing.

5. Supporting Data Centers

In data centers, switching technologies are crucial for handling vast amounts of data traffic. They
manage connections between servers and storage devices while ensuring that data flows efficiently
and securely. High-performance switches are often used in data centers to support large-scale
operations and reduce latency.
6. Telecommunications

Switching technologies are fundamental in the telecommunications industry. They manage the
routing of voice and data traffic over telephone networks. Circuit switching is commonly used in
traditional telephony, while packet switching dominates voice over IP (VoIP) services, allowing for
more efficient use of network resources.

7. Enhancing Security

By using switching technologies, organizations can enforce policies that enhance network security.
For example, switches can be configured to limit access to sensitive data, ensuring that only
authorized devices can communicate on the network.

In summary, switching technologies are integral to the functionality and efficiency of modern
networks. Their applications in connectivity, data traffic management, and security make them
essential tools for businesses and organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure.

REFERENCES

https://www.alooba.com/skills/concepts/routing-and-switching-611/switching-technologies/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/layer-2-switching-ethernet-david-ramirez--
bay8f#:~:text=Layer%202%20switching%20is%20the,devices%20sharing%20the%20same%20ba
ndwidth

https://www.google.com/search?q=Switching+Technologies&rlz=1C1BNSD_enPH1041PH1041&oq
=Switching+Technologies&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTQyOTZqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&
sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://erieit.edu/introductory-guide-routing-
switching/#:~:text=Switching:%20Forwarding%20&%20Filtering%20Traffic,a%20table%20of%20M
AC%20addresses.
Learning Assessment:

Q1 What are the methods to move data through a network of links and switches?

The two methods to move data through a network of links and switches are packet switching and
circuit switching. Packet switching is used in conventional LAN systems, and circuit switching
is used in telephonic systems.

Q2 What is switching?

Switching is defined as transferring data packets from the source to the destination by sending them
from one port to another.

Q3 What are different types of switching techniques?

There are three different types of switching techniques:

• Circuit switching

• Message switching

• Packet switching

Q4 Name the switches that are used in circuit switching.

The following are the switches that are used in circuit switching:

• Space Division Switches

• TDM Bus

• Time Domain Switches

Q5 State true or false: In circuit switching, the transfer of data takes place after the
establishment of the dedicated path.

True.