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Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 1
4.0Introduction to Packet Switching
In message switching, each switching centre stores incoming messages until the requiredoutgoing circuit becomes free and then re-transmits them. No calls are lost becauseof congestion, but delays are incurred.Simple message switching is not very suitable for data traffic, because of the very largevariation of holding time. Messages can vary in length from a single character from akeyboard to very long streams of data. The operator of a VDU who is interrogating adistant computer needs a quick response. It will not be obtained if the message has towait in a queue while a large file is being exchanged between two mainframecomputers.For this reason, data networks use a modified form of message switching called
packetswitching
. Long messages are split into a number of short ones, called
packets
,which are transmitted separately, (as shown in figure 4.0.1 below). Thus, the single packet from the VDU operator is sent between packets of the large computer file,instead of waiting until its transmission is complete and the delay is minimised.
 By: HairulMTSSRLast update : 15/12/08
 
ABCDE
DTEDTE
A-DA-CB-EB-DB-CB-E , A-D , B-C , A-C ..A-CA-DB-EB-D
B-C
Figure 4.0.1
 
Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 2
4.0 con’t/…The format of a typical packet is shown in figure 4.0.2 below. Since each packet ishandled as a complete message, its data must be preceded by a
header
, whichcontains the destination address of the message. It is possible for packets sometimesto arrive at their destination in a different order from that in which they are sent.Each header therefore contains a sequence number, to enable packets to bereassembled in the correct order at the receiving terminal. Other bits are added to theheader for control purposes, eg; to indicate whether a packet contains a message or is being sent to control the network. The packet ends with bits added for error detectionand correction. The most popular error-detection technique uses a cyclic redundancycheck code (CRC).If the receiving terminal is to obtain correction of errors by requesting retransmission of a packet, then its header must contain the address of the sending terminal. If packets canvary in length, the receiving terminal must be able to know when it has received thecomplete packet. The length of the packet is therefore also included in the header.However, some systems use a
flag
, ie; a predetermined unique combinations of digits, toindicate the end of a packet, instead of sending a length count.The data network and its terminals, DTE handle the packets by procedures known as
protocols
. These operate at a number of different levels, from the physical one of sending bits over a data link to the protocols pertaining to the particular application for which thesystem is used. The protocols can therefore be defined in terms of the
OSI 7-layermodel
.Packet Switching was first developed for use in private data networks. It is widely used in
local area network (LANs),
for data transmission within a single site or building. Packetswitching is also used in
wide area network (WANs)
, for data transmission betweendifferent site of an organisation. A WAN may link LANs at different locations. If twonetworks use the same protocols, they may be linked by a simple apparatus called a
bridge
. If they use different protocols, more complex equipment known as a
gateway
isrequired to translate from one protocol to the other.
By: HairulMTSSRLast update : 15/12/08
 
HEADER TEXT DATA CRC
Destination Op Code Source Seq. ByteAddress address Count
Figure 4.0.2 Typical packet format
 
Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 3
4.1 Packet Switching – protocols and advantages
Packet switching is now well established as data communication techniques. Currentdevelopments have lead to exponential growth in network size and user demand for switching capabilities ten or more times greater than are in general use today.Packet switching offers users an open structure communications environment, whichallows
 flexibility
in the choice of terminal and computing equipment combined with
 growth capability
. The network makes
cost effective
 
use of line bandwidth for datatransmission in computer to computer transactions
,
maximising data integrity
and
network availability while minimising the cost 
.Packet switch uses the multi layer 
CCITT X.25 protocol 
to establish switched virtualcircuits between any points in the data networks. The
lowest physical layer 
defines thecircuit hardware and electrical interference. At the
 second or data link layer 
each packetis given a cyclical redundancy check mode for error detection as well as framing flags to permit on a synchronous circuit at the
third level or virtual circuit layer 
packets arenumbered in sequence to control data flow and enable the detection and correction of missing and disordered packets.Packet switching is becoming more established around the world. This is possible by theuse of the CCITT X.25. One of the greatest attractions of X.25 is the
 flexible routing 
itoffers once the destination address is correctly specified. The network can be left todecide on its own choice of path through the twist and turns of the physical network.Hence avoiding
bottlenecks
, (preventing calls from being blocked).
Advantages of Packet Switching
4
Handling of large data volumes
4
Security, Reliability and speed which is not possible on PSTN
4
World-wide access
4
On-line information retrieval to get most up-to-date information quickly andefficiently.
4
Access to public data bases to have news, publications, technical research data, portfolios, statistics, etc…
4
and lots more…….
 By: HairulMTSSRLast update : 15/12/08
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