Type of
data transfer where a
channel is opened between the origination and destination of the
data, be it
voice or
data. The alternative is
packet switching, where data is divided into packets which take multiple routes and are reassembled at their destination.
Circuit switching is a great waster of resources, as the channel is kept open wether or not data is being transmitted, but it is currently the method of choice for telecomms as it gives the best quality of service
Examples of circuit switched protocols: ISDN, SS7
Example of packet switched protocols: TCP, UDP, ATM, Frame Relay, X.25