Computer Networks (CS-501) Part 2

International Islamic University , Islamabad




Computer Networks (CS-501)
Part 2
Topics
1.Circuit switching and packet switching
2. LAN technologies
3. Wireless networks
4. MAC addressing
5. Networking devices
6. Network layer protocols
7. IPv4 and IPv6
8. IP addressing
9. Sub netting
10. CIDR

, 1. Circuit Switching and Packet Switching
Circuit Switching:

Definition: A method of communication where a dedicated communication path
is established between two devices for the duration of the transmission.

Characteristics:

Connection-oriented.

Suitable for real-time applications like voice calls.

Examples: Traditional telephone networks.

Advantages:

Consistent and reliable communication.

No delay once the connection is established.

Disadvantages:

Inefficient use of resources; the dedicated path is idle if no data is
transmitted.

High setup time for the connection.

Packet Switching:

Definition: Data is broken into packets and each packet is transmitted
individually, potentially taking different paths to the destination.

Characteristics:

Connectionless.

Suitable for data transmission like internet browsing and emails.

Examples: The Internet.

Advantages:

Efficient use of network resources.