SSC IMD SA 2017 – Question 161

Which of the following method(s) is/are used to transfer data through a network of links and switches?

• Packet switching
• Circuit switching
• Line switching
• Both packet switching and circuit switching

Detailed Explanation:

The correct answer is a) Packet switching (पैकेट स्विचिंग).

In data communications and computer networking, networks of links and switches transfer data between end systems primarily using Packet Switching:

• Packet Switching: The message is broken down into small, formatted units called packets. Each packet contains payload data along with control headers (source and destination addresses). Packets travel across shared communication links and packet switches (routers and switches) using a store-and-forward transmission mechanism. Resources are allocated on demand (statistical multiplexing), maximizing link efficiency.
• Circuit Switching: Establishes a dedicated physical path (circuit) with pre-reserved bandwidth between sender and receiver before communication can begin (traditionally used in legacy PSTN telephone systems).
• Modern computer networks (the Internet, WANs, and LANs) predominantly use Packet Switching.