Message Switching | Switching Techniques

Switching in Computer Networks-

 

The process of moving the data packets towards their destination by forwarding them from one port to the other port is called as switching.

 

Switching Techniques-

 

Various switching techniques are-

 

 

1. Circuit Switching
2. Message Switching
3. Packet Switching

 

In this article, we will discuss about Message Switching.

 

Message Switching-

 

In message switching,

• There exists no dedicated path to transfer data.
• The entire message is treated as a single data unit.
• The message is then forwarded from hop to hop.
• Store and Forward is an important characteristic of message switching.
• The message carries a header that contains the full information about the destination.
• When any intermediate switch receives the message, it stores the entire message.
• The message is stored until sufficient resources become available to transfer it to the next switch.
• When resources become available, the switch forwards the message to the next switch.

 

Advantages-

 

Point-01:

 

• It improves the channel efficiency over Circuit Switched Network.
• In circuit switched network, the channel is blocked for two ends only.
• But here, more devices can share the channel.

 

Point-02:

 

• It is helpful in reducing traffic congestion.
• The message may be temporarily stored in the route and then forwarded whenever required.

 

Point-03:

 

• It is helpful in setting the message priorities due to store and forward technique.

 

Disadvantages-

 

Point-01:

 

• It requires enough storage at every switch to accommodate the entire message during the transmission.

 

Point-02:

 

• It is extremely slow due to store and forward technique.
• Also, the message has to wait until sufficient resources become available to transfer it to the next switch.

 

Message switching is replaced by Packet switching.

 

To gain better understanding about Message Switching,

Watch this Video Lecture

 

Next Article- Packet Switching

 

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