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W4 Network Switching

The document provides an overview of network switching, detailing three primary types: circuit switching, packet switching, and virtual circuit switching. It also introduces Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and its components, including the OpenFlow protocol, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each switching method. Real-world applications of these technologies include internet data transfer, VoIP calls, and data center management.

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W4 Network Switching

The document provides an overview of network switching, detailing three primary types: circuit switching, packet switching, and virtual circuit switching. It also introduces Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and its components, including the OpenFlow protocol, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each switching method. Real-world applications of these technologies include internet data transfer, VoIP calls, and data center management.

Uploaded by

nexgen5981
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CN – MID – Network Sitching 1

Network Switching, Virtual Circuit Switching & SDN


Introduction to Network Switching
Network switching is a technique used to efficiently transmit
data from one device to another in a network. Instead of
establishing a direct connection between sender and receiver
(like in old telephone systems), switching dynamically routes
data based on network conditions.
In modern networking, switching plays a crucial role in
optimizing bandwidth usage, reducing latency, and ensuring
seamless communication between devices.

1. Types of Network Switching


There are three primary types of network switching:
1. Circuit Switching (Dedicated Path)
2. Packet Switching (Dynamic Routing)
3. Virtual Circuit Switching (Hybrid Approach)

2. Circuit Switching
What is Circuit Switching?
Circuit switching is a connection-oriented communication
method where a dedicated communication path is established
between two devices before data transmission begins.
How Does Circuit Switching Work?
1. Connection Establishment → A dedicated physical path is
set up between sender and receiver.
2. Data Transmission → All data follows the same predefined
path.
3. Connection Termination → Once communication ends, the
circuit is released.
Example of Circuit Switching
• Traditional Telephone Networks → When you dial a number,
a dedicated path is set up for the call, and no other
data can use that channel until the call ends.
Advantages of Circuit Switching
CN – MID – Network Sitching 2

▪ Ensures consistent quality (No data loss or delays).


▪ Reliable for real-time voice/video communication.
Disadvantages of Circuit Switching

▪ Wastes bandwidth (Unused capacity cannot be shared).


▪ Slow setup time (A path must be established before
communication).

3. Packet Switching
What is Packet Switching?
Packet switching breaks data into smaller packets and sends
them independently over different paths in a network. The
receiver reassembles the packets to reconstruct the original
data.
Types of Packets Switching:
1. Datagram Packet Switching (Connectionless)

▪ Each packet is treated independently and may take


a different route to reach the destination.
▪ Example: UDP (User Datagram Protocol) used in
online gaming.
2. Virtual Circuit Packet Switching (Connection-Oriented)

▪ A logical path is established before sending


packets, but no dedicated physical connection is
required.
▪ Example: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) in
the internet.
Example of Packet Switching

▪ Internet Data Transfer → When you send an email or


browse a website, your data is broken into packets and
sent via different network routes.
Advantages of Packet Switching

▪ Efficient bandwidth usage (No dedicated channels).


▪ Faster & more scalable (Multiple communications occur
simultaneously).
▪ Fault tolerance (Packets take alternate paths if a
route fails).
CN – MID – Network Sitching 3

Disadvantages of Packet Switching

▪ Packet delay & loss due to congestion.


▪ Extra processing required at the receiver to reassemble
packets.

4. Virtual Circuit Switching (Hybrid Approach)


What is Virtual Circuit Switching?
Virtual circuit switching combines the benefits of circuit and
packet switching by establishing a logical path (virtual
circuit) before data transmission, but the actual data is
still sent in packets.
How Does It Work?
1. A logical path is set up between sender and receiver
(like circuit switching).
2. Packets follow this logical route, but the connection is
not physically dedicated.
3. No need to establish a new route for every packet (like
packet switching).
Example of Virtual Circuit Switching
▪ Frame Relay & MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

▪ Used in telecom networks for high-speed data


transmission.
Advantages of Virtual Circuit Switching

▪ Efficient bandwidth management (No need for a dedicated


path).
▪ Guaranteed delivery order (Packets arrive in the correct
sequence).
Disadvantages of Virtual Circuit Switching

▪ Less fault tolerance than datagram packet switching (If a


virtual circuit fails, a new connection must be
established).
CN – MID – Network Sitching 4

5. Introduction to Software-Defined Networking (SDN)


What is SDN?
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an advanced approach to
network management where the control plane (decision-making)
is separated from the data plane (packet forwarding).
Traditional vs. SDN Networks

Feature Traditional Network SDN-Based Network

Control & Data Combined in hardware Separated


Plane (switches/routers) (Controller manages
network remotely)

Configuration Manual, device-based Automated,


centralized control

Scalability Limited Highly scalable

Traffic Complex Dynamic & real-time


Management

Key Components of SDN


1. SDN Controller → Centralized software that controls the
entire network.
2. SDN Switches → Hardware devices that follow instructions
from the controller.
3. Southbound APIs → Interface between the controller and
switches (e.g., OpenFlow).
4. Northbound APIs → Interface between the controller and
applications.

6. OpenFlow – The Standard Protocol for SDN


What is OpenFlow?
OpenFlow is the first SDN protocol that allows a central
controller to directly manage network switches and routers.
How OpenFlow Works?
1. The SDN Controller sends flow rules to switches.
2. Switches forward packets based on the rules received.
CN – MID – Network Sitching 5

3. Dynamic network control enables efficient traffic


routing.
Advantages of OpenFlow & SDN

▪ Centralized network control for easy management.


▪ Dynamic traffic routing improves network performance.
▪ Better security through real-time monitoring.
Disadvantages of SDN

▪ Single point of failure → If the controller fails, the


network can stop working.
▪ High initial cost for upgrading network infrastructure.

7. Comparison of Switching Methods

Feature Circuit Packet Switching Virtual


Switching Circuit
Switching

Connection Dedicated No dedicated path Logical path


Type path

Efficiency Low (wastes High Moderate


bandwidth)

Data Delay Low (real- High (packets can Medium


time) arrive out of
order)

Real-World Telephone Internet, VoIP MPLS, Frame


Use networks Relay

Real-World Applications:
Internet & Cloud Computing → Packet switching is used for data
transfer.
VoIP Calls (Skype, Zoom) → Packet switching enables
voice/video calls.
5G Networks → Virtual circuit switching & SDN improve
performance.
Data Centers → SDN provides automated traffic management.

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