Circuit and Packet switching

Page 1

Circuit Switching

1. Connection estalbished via dedicated route

2. No other traffic can use that route until transmission is complete.

3. data split into packets

4. All packets follow same route.

5. Continuous flow of data

6.Packets arrive in the order they are sent.

7. Fast and easy to reassemble

8. Easier for potential hackers to intercept data as route is known.

Packet Switching

1. Packets sent via different routes.

2. More efficient use of network.

3. No dedicated routes.

4. Data split up into chunks called packets.

5. Packets contain destination and assembly information.

6. Best paths determined by routers along the way.

7. Takes longer to reassemble data at destination.

8. Difficult for potential hacker to intercept data as the routes are unknown.

Page 2

Router

It routes the algorithm to find optimum route

RIP

Least distance (hops)

Sends advertisements every 30 seconds.

3 mins time out and remove from table

Max hop count 15

Used in small networks

OSPF

Maps journey first

Give each router on way the map and then it will check it is on shortest route.

Other routers broadcast working messages every 10 seconds.

Each router knows about routers around them.

Data packets

Contains Header which includes the sender and receiver's IP address. The protocol being used and number of packets in the sequence eg 1 of 8. Has a hop limit

Payload contains what you are sending.

Trailer may be in packets to check errors.

Domain name

They are used instead of IP addresses and they have to buy the domain in order to use it.