A Level Computing

Packet switching and circuit switching

"Distinguish between the use of circuit switching and packet  switching in communication networks.
Describe the typical contents of a packet in packet switching."

Task 1

Transmission of data over a wide area network may be carried out by circuit or packet switching.

a) Explain the difference between circuit and packet switching.

b) State three items that will be transmitted with a data packet in addition to the data itself.




Task 2
Network Protocols

Protocol: pre-agreed signals, codes and rules to be used for data and information exchange between systems.

A standard protocol is a protocol that conforms to a standard laid down by a standards authority to allow data exchange between any computing systems conforming to the standard.

Describe the TCP/IP Protocol stack
http://www.howstuffworks.com/osi2.htm