August 2000
AN215 : ADVANCED NETWORKING

QUESTION 3

Total Marks: 15 Marks

• Question 1
• Question 2
• Question 4
• Question 5
• Cover Page

Click to access
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
for Question 3

In the context of data communications switching is needed because it is impossible to form point to point connections with all other nodes. Switching provides a way to share common communication resources.

(a) There are two distinct packet switching techniques. What are they known as
and what are the differences between them? [5]

(b) Is message switching suitable of interactive traffic? Give reasons for your
answer. [2]

(c) Is it true to say that ATM networks are connection-oriented networks? Explain
how the cells (ATM equivalents to packets) are routed. [4]

(d) Would it be accurate to say that since there is no addressing overheads in circuit switching therefore this technique provides better line utilization than packet switching? Justify your answer. [4]