Circuit-Switched networks allocate a continuous, dedicated channel between two endpoints before any communication begins. This guarantees bandwidth and minimizes latency for real-time traffic like voice calls, but ties up network resources even during moments of silence. Traditional telephone networks operate this way, contrasting with packet-switched networks that chop data into independent chunks.
The legacy PBX still relies on a CS backbone, so we can't easily route that traffic over the new IP trunk.
Also heard as
- circuit-switched
- circuit switching
Related terms
PSTN
The global infrastructure of circuit-switched telephone networks operated by national and regional carriers.
CSD
An older cellular data transmission method that ties up a dedicated voice channel for a data connection.
Latency
The time it takes for a packet of data to travel from its source to its destination.