🚧 What is Circuit Switching?

Circuit switching is a method of communication where a dedicated communication path is established between two endpoints before any data is transferred. Once the circuit is established, the entire message travels along this fixed path.

🧩 Key Characteristics

  • Dedicated path: Set up before data transfer begins.
  • Consistent delay: Fixed route ensures predictable timing.
  • Wastage of resources: Channel remains reserved even during silence.
  • Example: Traditional telephone systems.

🧠 Deep Insight

Circuit switching represents a rigid, commitment-first communication model — much like a reserved meeting room that stays booked even when unused. It symbolizes trust in predictability at the expense of flexibility. In contrast to today’s dynamic data flows, this model reflects older societal constructs of fixed contracts and stable relationships.

“Circuit switching is the monogamy of networks — reliable, exclusive, but inflexible.”

🧭 Historical Note

First used in Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), it was the backbone of voice communication for much of the 20th century.

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