What is the difference between circuit switching and packet switching?

In networking, circuit switching and packet switching are two prominent methods used for transmitting data. The key difference lies in how they establish and manage connections.

Circuit Switching

In circuit switching, a dedicated communication path is established between two parties before data transmission can begin. This path remains constant for the duration of the communication.

Packet Switching

Packet switching, on the other hand, involves breaking data into packets that are independently routed across the network. Each packet can take a different route to reach the destination, making it more flexible and efficient.

Therefore, the main difference between circuit switching and packet switching is the way connections are established and data is transmitted. Circuit switching is more suitable for continuous, real-time communication, while packet switching is better for bursty, non-continuous data transmission.