Unit –III

Switched Communication Networks: Syllabus

➢ Circuit, Message, Packet & Hybrid Switching

➢ Data Gram Network
➢ Connection-oriented services vs. connectionless
services
➢ Public Switching Telephone Network (PSTN).
➢ Digital Subscriber Line, ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, VDSL.
➢ Study of various types of topology and their
comparative study.
 Text Book & Reference Books

 Text Book:
➢ 1. Andrew S.Tannenbaum, Computer Networks, Pearson Education.
➢ 2. William Stallings, Data and Computer Communication, Pearson
Education.
➢ 3. Behrouz A.Fourouzan, Data Communication and Networking, Mc
Graw Hill Publication.
➢ 4. Alberto Leon-Garcia, Indra Widjaja, Communication Networks-
Fundamental concepts and key Architecture, TMH.
Reference Books:
➢ 1. Aftab Ahmad, Data Communication Principles for fixed and wireless
networks, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
➢ 2. Gilbert Held, Data Communications Networking Devices:-Operation,
Utilization, Lan and Wan Interworking, John Wiley and Sons.
 Circuit, Message, Packet & Hybrid Switching

▪ Circuit Switching, Message Switching, Packet Switching,

and Hybrid Switching are different methods for routing and
transmitting data in a telecommunications or computer
network.
▪ Each method has its own characteristics and is suitable for
different types of communication needs.
 Switching

▪ A switched network consists of a series of interlinked nodes,

called switches. Switches are devices capable of creating
temporary connections between two or more devices linked to
the switch.
▪ In a switched network, some of these nodes are connected to
the end systems (computers or telephones, for example).
 Switching
▪ The end systems (communicating devices) are labeled A, B, C,
D, and so on, and the switches are labeled I, II, III, IV, and V.
Each switch is connected to multiple links
 Circuit Switching

Overview: Circuit switching is a traditional method used in telephony

networks. It establishes a dedicated communication path or circuit
between two parties for the entire duration of the conversation.

Characteristics:
• Resources are reserved for the entire call duration.
• Once a circuit is established, data can flow continuously
without interruption.
• Well-suited for real-time communication (e.g., voice calls)
where low latency and constant bandwidth are required.
Examples: Traditional telephone networks (PSTN).
 Circuit Switching
Overview: A circuit-switched network is made of a set of
switches connected by physical links, in which each link is
divided into n channels.
Circuit Switching
 Message Switching

Overview: Message switching is an older method that involves

breaking data into messages, each of which is individually
forwarded from one node to the next until it reaches its destination.
Characteristics:
• Each message is treated as a whole and forwarded
independently.
• The path for each message can vary, and messages may
take different routes to reach their destination.
• Inefficient for large data transfers due to overhead and lack
of error checking.
Examples: Telex networks (obsolete).
 Packet Switching
Overview: Packet switching is the basis for modern internet
communication. Data is divided into smaller packets, each with its
own header containing routing information, and these packets are
then independently routed through the network to their destination.

Characteristics:
▪ Efficient use of network resources as packets can take different
routes and share network capacity.
▪ Robustness and error-checking through protocols like TCP.
▪ Well-suited for bursty data traffic, such as web browsing and
email.
Examples: The Internet.
 Hybrid Switching

Overview: Hybrid switching is a combination of different switching

methods. It aims to provide the advantages of multiple switching
techniques depending on the type of data and the network
conditions.
Characteristics:
▪ Can adapt to varying network conditions by switching between
circuit, message, or packet switching as needed.
▪ Suitable for networks that handle a mix of real-time and non-
real-time traffic.
Examples: Some modern telecommunications networks use hybrid
switching to optimize resource utilization.
 Data Gram Network
 A "datagram network" is a type of network that operates based on
the principles of datagram communication.
In a datagram network, data is transmitted in the form of datagrams,
which are self-contained units of data, typically divided into smaller
packets, and are routed independently through the network.
 Key characteristics of a datagram network include:
 Connectionless Communication:
▪ Datagram networks are typically connectionless, meaning that they
do not require a prior setup or establishment of a dedicated
connection before data transmission.
▪ Each datagram is sent independently and is treated as a separate
entity by the network.
 Data Gram Network
 Unreliable Delivery:
▪ Datagram networks do not guarantee reliable delivery of data.
Datagrams may be subject to delays, packet loss, out-of-order
delivery, or even complete loss in transit.
▪ Higher-layer protocols or applications often handle error detection
and retransmission if needed.
 Variable Packet Sizes:
▪ Datagrams can vary in size, and they are often divided into smaller
packets for transmission.
▪ The network infrastructure must be able to handle datagrams of
different sizes efficiently.
 Data Gram Network
 Flexible Routing:
▪ Datagram networks use routing algorithms to determine the path
that each datagram should take through the network.
▪ Different datagrams or packets from the same datagram may
follow different routes based on network conditions and routing
decisions.
 Efficient Use of Resources:
▪ Datagram networks are designed for efficient resource utilization.
▪ They allow for dynamic routing and do not require the
establishment and maintenance of dedicated communication
channels, making them suitable for networks with varying traffic
patterns.
 Example Protocols: The Internet is a prime example of a datagram
network, as it uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit datagrams.
IP is a connectionless, packet-switched protocol that forms the
basis of data transmission on the Internet.
Data Gram Network
 Data Gram Network
 In this example, all four packets (or datagrams) belong to the
same message but may travel different paths to reach their
destination.
 This is so because the links may be involved in carrying
packets from other sources and do not have the necessary
bandwidth available to carry all the packets from A to X.
 This approach can cause the datagrams of transmission to
arrive at their destination out of order with different delays
between the packets.
 Data Gram Network

 Packets may also be lost or dropped because of a lack of

resources.
 In most protocols, it is the responsibility of an upper-layer
protocol to reorder the datagrams or ask for lost datagrams
before passing them on to the application.
 The datagram networks are sometimes referred to as connectionless
networks.
 The term connectionless here means that the switch (packet switch)
does not keep information about the connection state
 Routing Table for Data Gram Network
 A switch in a datagram network uses a routing table that is
based on the destination address.
 The destination address in the header of a packet in a datagram
network remains the same during the entire journey of the packet.
Routing Table for Data Gram Network
Delay for Data Gram Network
 Delay for Data Gram Network

 The packet travels through two switches.

▪ Transmission times (3T),
▪ Propagation delays (slopes 3't of the lines)
▪ Waiting times (WI + w2)’
 We ignore the processing time in each switch. The total
delay is
 Total Delay =3T + 3t + WI + W2
 Connection-oriented services vs.
connectionless services.

 Connection-oriented services and connectionless

services are two fundamental communication
paradigms used in computer networks and
telecommunications.
 They differ in how they handle the establishment
and maintenance of communication sessions and
the reliability of data transmission.
 Here's a comparison of the two:
 Connectionless services.
Reliability:
▪ Connectionless services are less reliable compared to connection-
oriented services. They do not guarantee that data will be delivered
accurately or in the correct order.
▪ Some packets may be lost, duplicated, or arrive out of order.
Setup:
There is no need to establish a connection before sending data. Each
packet is treated independently and contains all the information
needed for routing and delivery.
Examples: UDP (User Datagram Protocol) in the TCP/IP protocol suite is
a common example of a connectionless protocol. It is used in
applications where low overhead and speed are more important than
reliability, such as real-time streaming, online gaming, and Voice over
IP (VoIP).
 Connection oriented services

Reliability:
▪ Connection-oriented services are highly reliable. They ensure that
data is delivered accurately and in the correct order.
▪ If there is an issue with data transmission, it will be detected and
corrected.
Setup:
A connection must be established before data transmission can begin.
This involves a three-step process: connection establishment, data
transfer, and connection termination.
Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) in the TCP/IP protocol
suite is a well-known example of a connection-oriented protocol. It is
widely used for applications that require reliable data delivery, such as
web browsing and file transfer.
 Connection-oriented services vs.
connectionless services.

 In summary, the choice between connection-oriented and

connectionless services depends on the specific requirements of
the application.
 Connection-oriented services are suitable for applications that
prioritize data integrity and reliability, while connectionless services
are used when low latency and reduced overhead are more
important, even if they come at the cost of potentially less reliable
data transmission.
Public Switching Telephone Network
Public Switching Telephone Network
Public Switching Telephone Network

▪ PSTN, or Public Switched Telephone Network, is the traditional and

analog telecommunications network that provides basic voice and
data communication services over copper wires.
▪ It has been in use for many decades and was the foundation of
landline telephone systems before the advent of digital and
internet-based communication technologies.
 Public Switching Telephone Network

 Circuit-Switched Technology:
▪ PSTN uses circuit-switching to establish a dedicated communication
channel between two parties for the duration of a call.
▪ This dedicated path ensures reliable and consistent voice quality.
 Analog Communication:
▪ PSTN originally operated on analog signals, which is why it is
sometimes referred to as "analog telephony."
▪ Analog signals are converted into electrical signals for transmission
over copper wires.
 Public Switching Telephone Network

 Reliability:
▪ PSTN is known for its high reliability and uptime.
▪ It is less susceptible to power outages and network congestion
compared to some modern internet-based communication services.
 Limited Data Capabilities:
While PSTN primarily focuses on voice communication, it does
support limited data transmission, such as fax and modem connections.
However, it is not well-suited for high-speed data services.
 Public Switching Telephone Network
 Decline in Usage:
▪ With the rise of digital and internet-based communication
technologies, traditional PSTN usage has been declining in many
parts of the world.
▪ Many people have switched to mobile phones and Voice over IP
(VoIP) services for their telecommunication needs.
 Integration with Modern Technologies:
In some regions, PSTN has been modernized to support digital services
like DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) for internet access and ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network) for digital voice and data
transmission.
Digital Subscriber Line, ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, VDSL
▪ Digital Subscriber Line, commonly referred to as DSL, is a family of
technologies used to provide high-speed internet access over
traditional copper telephone lines.
▪ DSL is a popular choice for residential and small business internet
connections.
▪ Here are some key characteristics of DSL:
 characteristics of Digital Subscriber Line,

 Digital Transmission:
▪ DSL converts the analog signal of your voice or data into a digital
signal that can be transmitted over copper telephone lines.
▪ This allows for faster and more efficient data transmission
compared to traditional analog modems.
➢ Always-On Connection:
▪ DSL provides an "always-on" internet connection, which means
you don't need to dial in like you did with older dial-up modems.
 characteristics of Digital Subscriber Line,

 Distance Limitations:
▪ DSL speeds and performance can be affected by the
distance between your location and the telephone
company's central office or DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line
Access Multiplexer).
▪ The farther you are from the central office, the slower your
DSL connection may be.
 Availability:
▪ DSL is widely available in many urban and suburban areas,
particularly where traditional telephone infrastructure is in
place.
▪ However, it may not be available in rural or remote areas
where the necessary infrastructure is lacking.
 characteristics of Digital Subscriber Line,

 Filtering Voice and Data:

▪ DSL allows you to use your telephone line for both voice calls and internet
data simultaneously.
▪ Filters or splitters are used to separate the voice and data signals to prevent
interference.
 Competing Technologies:
▪ DSL competes with other broadband technologies like cable internet, fiber-
optic internet, and wireless broadband.
▪ The choice between these options depends on factors like availability, speed
requirements, and pricing.
 DSL Modems:
▪ To use DSL, you need a DSL modem, which connects to your telephone line
and your computer or router.
▪ The modem is responsible for translating the digital data into a form that your
devices can use.
 Digital Subscriber Line,

 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL):

▪ General Term: DSL is the overarching term for various
technologies that use digital transmission over telephone lines
to provide high-speed internet access.
➢ Different Variants:
▪ DSL includes several variants like ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, and VDSL,
each optimized for specific use cases and offering different
performance characteristics.
Dial up Modem
Dial up Modem
Dial up Modem
 Digital Subscriber Line

 ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line):

 Asymmetric:
▪ ADSL offers higher download speeds compared to upload
speeds, making it suitable for residential users who consume more
content than they upload.
▪ Common Use: It is commonly used in homes for activities like web
browsing, streaming, and online gaming.
▪ Frequency Division: ADSL divides the line's frequency spectrum
into separate bands for voice and data, allowing concurrent
voice calls and internet usage.
 Digital Subscriber Line,

 HDSL (High Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line):

 Symmetric: HDSL provides equal upload and download speeds,
making it suitable for business applications that require balanced
data transfer.
 Higher Speeds: It offers higher data transfer rates than ADSL,
making it suitable for business and commercial use.
 No Frequency Division: Unlike ADSL, HDSL does not divide the
frequency range for voice and data, requiring a dedicated line
for internet access.
 Digital Subscriber Line,

 SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line):

 Symmetric: SDSL, like HDSL, provides equal upload and download
speeds, making it suitable for businesses requiring balanced data
transfer.
 Common Use: It is used for applications such as video
conferencing, online servers, and other high-speed data transfer
needs.
 No Frequency Division: SDSL, like HDSL, does not use frequency
division and requires a dedicated line.
 Digital Subscriber Line,

 VDSL (Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line):

 Variable Speeds: VDSL offers variable speeds, with faster rates
closer to the service provider's central office and decreasing
speeds with distance.
 Common Use: It is often used in urban areas where the copper
infrastructure is in good condition, offering high-speed internet
access suitable for HD video streaming and online gaming.
 Frequency Division: VDSL uses frequency division to separate
voice and data channels.
Digital Subscriber Line
 Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Topology in the context of computer networks refers to the physical
or logical arrangement of devices and connections in a network.
 There are several types of network topologies, each with its own
advantages and disadvantages.
 Here's a comparative study of various network topologies:
Cable/Bus
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Bus Topology:
 Advantages:
 Simple and easy to set up.
 Requires less cabling, making it cost-effective.
 Well-suited for small networks with low traffic.
 Disadvantages:
 Single point of failure (if the main cable is damaged, the
entire network can go down).
 Limited scalability.
 Performance can degrade as more devices are added.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Star Topology:
 Advantages:
 Easy to install and manage.
 Centralized control and easy fault identification.
 Scalable as new devices can be added without
affecting others.
 Disadvantages:
 Dependent on the central hub; if it fails, the entire
network is affected.
 Requires more cabling compared to bus topology.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Star Topology:
 Advantages:
 Easy to install and manage.
 Centralized control and easy fault identification.
 Scalable as new devices can be added without
affecting others.
 Disadvantages:
 Dependent on the central hub; if it fails, the entire
network is affected.
 Requires more cabling compared to bus topology.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Ring Topology:
 Advantages:
 Evendata distribution as each device has exactly
two neighbors.
 No collisions in data transmission.
 Disadvantages:
A break in the ring (failure of one device or cable)
can disrupt the entire network.
 Adding or removing devices can be complicated.
Fig: Ring Topology
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Mesh Topology:
 Advantages:
 High redundancy; multiple paths for data to travel.
 Robust and fault-tolerant; failures in one part don't affect
the entire network.
 Disadvantages:
 Expensive to implement due to the high number of
cables and ports required.
 Complex to manage and configure.
Mesh topology
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Hybrid Topology:
 Advantages:
 Combines the benefits of multiple topologies.
 Allows for customization to meet specific network
requirements.
 Disadvantages:
 Can be complex to design and maintain.
 Cost may be a factor, as it depends on the types of
topologies used.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Tree Topology:
 Advantages:
 Scalable like the star topology.
 Offers some redundancy, depending on the branching.
 Disadvantages:
 Still has a central point of failure if the root node fails.
 Adding new levels or nodes can be complex.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Fully Connected (Mesh) Topology:
 Advantages:
 Maximum redundancy and fault tolerance.
 No single point of failure.
 Disadvantages:
 Extremely expensive and complex to set up due to the
high number of connections.
 Difficult to manage and troubleshoot.
Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 Point-to-Point Topology:
 Advantages:
 Simplest form of connectivity.
 Suitable for connecting only two devices directly.
 Disadvantages:
 Limited to connecting only two devices.
 Not suitable for larger networks.
 Study of various types of topology and their comparative study .
 In summary, the choice of network topology depends on factors like
the size of the network, the level of redundancy and fault tolerance
required, cost considerations, and ease of management.
 Each topology has its own trade-offs, and the best choice for a
specific network will vary based on its unique requirements and
constraints.
Thank you