Difference between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching?

Circuit switching is referred to as the technology of data transfer that utilizes sending messages from one
point to another. This involves sending messages from the receiver to the sender and back simultaneously. A
physical connection gets established during this process along with the receiver; a dedicated circuit is always
present to handle data transmissions, through which data is sent. Packet switching can be used as an
alternative to circuit switching. In packet-switched networks, data is sent in discrete units that have variable
lengths.

Difference Between Circuit Switching and

Packet Switching

Circuit Switching Packet Switching

Each packet containing

A circuit needs to be
the information that
established to make sure
needs to be processed
that data transmission
goes through the
takes place.
dynamic route.

A uniform path is There is no uniform path

followed throughout the that is followed end to
session. end through the session.

It is ideal for voice It is used mainly for data

communication, while also transmission as the delay
keeping the delay uniform. is not uniform.

Without a connection, it A connection is not

cannot exist, as the necessary, as it can exist
connection needs to be without one too. It needs
present on a physical to be present on a
layer. network layer.

Data is processed and

Data to be transmitted is
transmitted at the source
processed at the source
as well as at each
itself.
switching station.
What is Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)?

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a protocol that maps dynamic IP addresses to permanent physical machine
addresses in a local area network (LAN). The physical machine address is also known as a media access control
(MAC) address.

ARP translates 32-bit addresses to 48-bit addresses and vice versa, which is necessary because IP addresses in IP
version 4 (IPv4) are 32 bits but MAC addresses are 48 bits.

ARP works between Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model). The MAC address
exists on Layer 2 of the OSI model, the data link layer. The IP address exists on Layer 3, the network layer.

ARP can also be used for IP over other LAN technologies, such as token ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface and IP
over Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

The major differences between IPv4 and IPv6 are:

Difference between IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is explained
here in detail.

IPv4 is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is one of the core protocols of standards-based
internetworking methods in the Internet and other packet-switched networks.

IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP), the communications protocol that provides an
identification and location system for computers on networks and routes traffic across the Internet.

The major differences between IPv4 and IPv6 are:

IPv4 (Internet Protocol IPv6 (Internet

Version 4) Protocol Version 6)

Encryption and Encryption and

authentication is not authentication is
provided in IPv4 (Internet provided in IPv6
Protocol Version 4). (Internet Protocol
Version 6)

Header of IPv4 is 20 – 60 Header of IPv6 is fixed

bytes. at 40 bytes

Checksumfield is available Checksumfield is not

in IPv4. available in IPv6.

Packet flow identification is Packet flow

not available in IPv4 identification is
(Internet Protocol Version available in IPv6. Flow
4). label field is available
in the header.

IPv4 addresses are usually An IPv6 address is

represented in dot-decimal represented as eight
notation, consisting of four groups of four
decimal numbers, each hexadecimal digits,
ranging from 0 to 255, each group representing
separated by dots. 16 bits.

Sender and forwarding Fragmentation is

routers performs performed only by the
fragmentation in IPv4 sender in IPv6.

In IPv4, security features In IPv6, there is an

relies on application inbuilt security feature
named IPSEC.

End to end connection End to end connection

integrity cannot be integrity can be done in
achieved in IPv4. IPv6.

IPv4 supports DHCP and IPv6 supports

Manual address renumbering and auto
configuration address configuration.

IPv4 addresses are 32-bit IPv6 addresses are 128

long bits long.

The address space in IPv4 The address space in

is 4.29 ×109 IPv6 is 3.4 ×1038

IPv4 has a broadcast Multicast and Anycast

message transmission message transmission
scheme. scheme is available in
IPv6.

Silly Window Syndrome in TCP

TCP is a transmission control protocol and a connection-oriented protocol. It provides a flow control and
error control facility for information in between the sender and the receiver.

A protocol which will be used in the data link layer which will support the reliable and sequential delivery
of data frames. This protocol is the sliding window protocol.

This sliding window facility is also used with the TCP which helps to transfer multiple frames by a sender at
a time before receiving an acknowledgment from the receiver.

The TCP will maintain a proper data flow.

If the sender data transmitting speed will be high compared with the receivers receiving speed the overflow
will be there. This will cause data loss. This can be controlled by TCP. That is providing the window
concept.

Due to the bad implementation of TCP, the silly window syndrome may arise.

This will reduce the performance. Due to this problem the data transmission becomes inefficient.

Because of this problem the sender window may shrink to a small size.
So the transmitting data size also becomes smaller than the TCP header.

Understanding Logical or IP Addressing

A logical IP address, often referred to simply as an IP address, is a software-based identifier assigned to
devices on a network. These addresses are used at the network layer to facilitate communication between
devices over the internet. Unlike MAC addresses, which are tied to specific hardware, IP addresses are
assigned dynamically and can change based on various network configurations.
.

Everything About Pure ALOHA

Pure aloha is used when data is available for sending over a channel at stations. In pure Aloha, when each
station transmits data to a channel without checking whether the channel is idle or not, the chances of
collision may occur, and the data frame can be lost
When a station transmits the data frame to a channel without checking whether the channel is free or not,
there will be a possibility of the collision of data frames. Station expects the acknowledgement from the
receiver, and if the acknowledgement of the frame is received at the specified time, then it will be OK;
otherwise, the station assumes that the frame is destroyed. Then station waits for a random amount of time,
and after that, it retransmits the frame until all the data are successfully transmitted to the receiver.

Understanding Slotted ALOHA

There is a high possibility of frame hitting in pure aloha, so slotted aloha is designed to overcome it. Unlike
pure aloha, slotted aloha does not allow the transmission of data whenever the station wants to send it.
In slotted Aloha, the shared channel is divided into a fixed time interval called slots. So that, if a station
wants to send a frame to a shared channel, the frame can only be sent at the beginning of the slot, and only
one frame is allowed to be sent to each slot. If the station is failed to send the data, it has to wait until the
next slot.

Difference between Pure aloha and Slotted aloha

In this article, we will discuss the comparison between Pure aloha and Slotted aloha along with their
separate discussion. Aloha is the random access protocol having two categories that are pure aloha and
slotted aloha.

Pure aloha is used whenever data is available for sending over a channel at stations, whereas slotted aloha is
designed to overcome the problem of pure aloha because there is a high possibility of frame hitting in pure
aloha. Similarly, we will see the comparison chart between pure aloha and slotted aloha. So, without any
delay, let's start the topic.

OSI Model

 OSI stands for Open System Interconnection is a reference model that describes how information from a
software application in one computer moves through a physical medium to the software application in another
computer.
 OSI consists of seven layers, and each layer performs a particular network function.
 OSI model was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1984, and it is now
considered as an architectural model for the inter-computer communications.
 OSI model divides the whole task into seven smaller and manageable tasks. Each layer is assigned a particular
task.
  Each layer is self-contained, so that task assigned to each layer can be performed independently.

Characteristics of OSI Model:

 The OSI model is divided into two layers: upper layers and lower layers.
 The upper layer of the OSI model mainly deals with the application related issues, and they are implemented
only in the software. The application layer is closest to the end user. Both the end user and the application
layer interact with the software applications. An upper layer refers to the layer just above another layer.
 The lower layer of the OSI model deals with the data transport issues. The data link layer and the physical
layer are implemented in hardware and software. The physical layer is the lowest layer of the OSI model and
is closest to the physical medium. The physical layer is mainly responsible for placing the information on the
physical medium.

7 Layers of OSI Model

There are the seven OSI layers. Each layer has different functions. A list of seven layers are given below:

1. Physical Layer
2. Data-Link Layer
3. Network Layer
4. Transport Layer
5. Session Layer
6. Presentation Layer
7. Application Layer

TCP and IP
The TCP/IP model refers to the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Model. This model is a part of the
network domain designed specifically for overseeing efficient and error-free transmission of data.

The model works on a four-layered architecture model, where each layer implicit the required network protocols on
the data to be transmitted, which remodels the data to the most optimum structure for efficient transmission over the
network.

The TCP/IP model is divided into four different layers:

 Application layer
 Transport layer
 Internet layer
 Network Access layer

Difference Between TCP and IP

TCP (Transmission Control
Feature Protocol) IP (Internet Protocol)

Ensures reliable, ordered, and Provides addressing and

Purpose error-checked delivery of data routing of packets across
between applications. networks.

Type Connection-oriented Connectionless

Function Manages data transmission Routes packets of data from

 between devices, ensuring data the source to the destination
integrity and order. based on IP addresses.

No, IP itself does not handle

Yes, includes error checking
Error Handling errors; relies on upper-layer
and recovery mechanisms.
protocols like TCP.

Yes, includes flow control

Flow Control No
mechanisms.

Yes, manages network

Congestion Control No
congestion.

Breaks data into smaller

Breaks data into packets but
Data Segmentation packets and reassembles them
does not handle reassembly.
at the destination.

Header Size Larger, 20-60 bytes Smaller, typically 20 bytes

Does not guarantee delivery,

Reliability Provides reliable data transfer
reliability, or order.

Transmission Yes, acknowledges receipt of

No
Acknowledgment data packets.

Difference between Serial and Parallel Transmission

To transfer the data between various devices, like laptops and computers, two methods come in handy, namely parallel
transmission and serial transmission. But there is a primary difference between serial and parallel transmission,
although they are similar in some aspects. In the case of serial transmission of data, the data gets transferred bit by bit.
On the other hand, in parallel transmission, only a character or a single byte (or 8 bits) is transmitted at any given time.

We use both of these to connect with the peripheral devices and also communicate with them. But the parallel
transmission is sensitive to time, while the serial transmission is not sensitive to time. Let us discuss some more of the
differences between them.

What is Serial Transmission?

In the case of serial transmission, the data-bit flows from a given computer to another one in bi-direction. Thus, in
serial transmission, a bit would flow at one pulse of a clock. Here, a total of 8 bits get transferred at any given time,
and it has both- a start bit and a stop bit.
What is Parallel Transmission?
In the case of parallel transmission, various bits of data would flow from any given computer to another
simultaneously. This type of transmission is much faster as compared to serial transmission, but it is primarily used for
the transmission of bits over a very small distance.

Difference between Serial and Parallel Transmission

Let us talk about the difference between Serial and Parallel Transmission. To make this topic more understandable and
clear, we are comparing both of the terms based on their individual characteristics in a table.

Parameters Serial Transmission Parallel Transmission

Meaning and In the case of serial transmission, In the case of parallel transmission,
Definition only a single communication link we use multiple numbers of
for transferring data from any parallel links for the simultaneous
given end to another one. transmission of all the data bits in
the network.

Transmission Only a single bit gets A total of eight bits get

of Bits transferred/transmitted at a clock transferred/transmitted at a clock
pulse in the case of this pulse in the case of this
transmission. transmission.

Cost Since the serial transmission uses Parallel transmission, on the other
Efficiency just a single link, it incurs a hand, needs to implement multiple
comparatively lower cost during its links. Thus, it incurs much more
implementation. Thus, it is more cost, and it is not a very cost-
cost-efficient as compared to efficient option as compared to
parallel transmission. serial transmission.

Performance Since the serial transmission Since the parallel transmission

transmits only a single bit per transmits about eight bits per clock,
clock, the overall performance is the overall performance is much
lower than that of parallel higher than that of serial
transmission. transmission.

Preference It only implements a single link It is capable of transferring as well

due to the transmission of a single as implementing multiple links
bit every clock. Thus, we prefer it simultaneously, thus, is preferable
for transmission between long for short distances only.
distances.

Complexity The single link transmission makes Due to multiple link transmission,
the process of serial transmission the process of parallel transmission
very simple, and not very complex, becomes comparatively complex to
 even if it covers long distances. handle, thus, paving the way to
short-distance data transfer.

asynchronous transfer mode vs synchronous

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and synchronous transmission are two methods of data transfer. Synchronous
transmission uses a shared clock signal between sender and receiver, allowing for faster and more efficient data
transfer, as data is sent in frames. In contrast, asynchronous transmission does not require a shared clock; instead, it
sends data one byte at a time, which can introduce overhead and generally results in slower transmission speeds.
While synchronous is suited for high-speed, continuous data transfer, asynchronous offers greater simplicity and
flexibility.

Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous Transmission: Explore the difference between Synchronous

and Asynchronous Transmission
Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission are types of serial data transmission methods. Both transmission
methods are based on clock pulses that are used for synchronization. Let’s explore some major differences between
synchronous and asynchronous transmission.

What is Synchronous Transmission?

Synchronous data transmission is a type of data transfer that carries a frequent stream of data in the form of signals
along with timing signals generated by an electric clock that ensures the synchronization of the sender and receiver.
Synchronous transmission allows data to be transmitted in fixed intervals in the form of frames or blocks.

What is Asynchronous Transmission?

Asynchronous transmission is a type of data transmission which works on start and stop bits. In Asynchronous
transmission, each character contains its start and stop bit and irregular interval of time between them.

Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission

S.No. Synchronous Asynchronous

1. In Synchronous transmission a common In Asynchronous transmission

clock is shared by the transmitter and each character contains its own
receiver to achieve synchronisation while start and stop bits.
data transmission.

2. In Synchronous transmission data is sent in In Asynchronous transmission

frames or blocks. data is sent in the form of bytes or
characters.

3. Synchronous transmission is faster, as a Asynchronous transmission is

common clock is shared by the sender and slower as each character has its
receiver. own start and stop bit.

4. Synchronous transmission is costlier. Asynchronous transmission is

 cheaper.

5. It is easy to design. It is complex.

6. In synchronous transmission there is no gap In asynchronous transmission

between the data as they share a common there is a gap between the data
clock. due to the start and stop bit
feature.

Classless addressing is also called

Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) . This addressing type helps to allocate IP addresses more
efficiently. When the user requires a particular number of IP addresses, this method assigns a block of IP
addresses concerning certain rules. And, this block is called a CIDR block and has the required number of IP
addresses.

Classful Addressing
Classful addressing was an early method of IP address allocation in computer networking, categorizing the
IPv4 address space into five classes: A, B, C, D, and E. The primary focus was on the division between
network IDs and host IDs, with class A, B, and C being the most widely used for identifying networks and
hosts. Each class has a different default subnet mask, determining the number of hosts allowed within that
network.

However, classful addressing has limitations, particularly in terms of address space efficiency, leading to the
adoption of classless addressing methods, such as CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing). By reading the
first octet, we can determine the class of address to which it belongs.

1 – 126 – Class A address

128 – 191 – Class B address
192 – 223 – Class C address
224 – 239 – Class D address
240 – 254 – Class E address

Difference Between Classful and Classless Addressing

Classful addressing is an IP address allocation method that allocates IP addresses according to five major
classes. Classless addressing is an IP address allocation method that is designed to replace classful
addressing to eliminate the possibility of exhaustion of IP addresses. This is themain difference between
classful and classless addressing.Another difference is that in classful addressing, the network ID and host
ID change dependingon the classes. However, in classless addressing, there is no boundary on network ID
and hostID.Classless addressing allows allocating IP addresses more efficiently than classful
addressing.Classless addressing avoids running out of IP addresses that can occur in classful addressing.
Difference between Virtual Circuits and Datagram Networks
Datagram switching is a connection-less service, where data packets are sent independently without
establishing a prior connection, allowing for potentially lower latency. In contrast, virtual circuit switching
is a connection-oriented service that establishes a predefined path between the sender and receiver before
data transmission, which can result in more reliable packet delivery at the cost of higher latency.

Key Virtual Circuits Datagram Networks

Virtual Circuit is a connection-

Datagram networks are a
oriented service in which there is an
type of connectionless
implementation of resources like
Definition service where no such
buffers, CPU, bandwidth, etc., used
resources are required for
by virtual circuit for a data transfer
data transmission.
session.

In Virtual circuits, as all the

In a Datagram network, the
resources and bandwidth get
path is not fixed as data
reserved before the transmission, the
packets are free to decide the
path which is utilized or followed by
Path path on any intermediate
first data packet would get fixed and
router on the go by
all other data packets will use the
dynamically changing
same path and consume same
routing tables on routers.
resources.

As there is same path followed by Different headers with

all the data packets, a common and information of other data
Header
same header is being used by all the packet is being used in
packets. Datagram network.

Virtual Circuit is less complex as Datagram network are more

Complexity compared to that of Datagram complex as compared to
network. Virtual circuit.

Datagram networks, due to

Due to fixed path and assurance of
their dynamic resource
fixed resources, Virtual Circuits are
Reliability allocation and dynamic path,
more reliable for data transmission
are more errorprone and less
as compared to Datagram network.
reliable than Virtual circuits.

Virtual circuits are costlier in Datagram networks are

installation and maintenance. They cheaper as compared to the
Example are widely used by ATM Virtual Circuits. They are
and Cost (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) mainly used by IP network,
Network, which is used for the which is used for Data
Telephone calls. services like Internet.