Why is packet switching considered more efficient than circuit switching technology?

Packet switching is considered more efficient than circuit switching technology primarily because it maintains a connection only for the duration of data transport. In packet switching, data is broken down into smaller packets that are sent over the network independently. This allows the network to utilize bandwidth more effectively since the connection does not need to be reserved for the entire duration of communication.

In contrast to circuit switching, where a dedicated communication path is established for the entire duration of a call or connection, packet switching allows data from multiple sources to share the same communication paths dynamically. This sharing means that network resources can be optimized and used more efficiently, especially during periods of high data traffic, as the connection is only in use while data is being actively sent or received. As a result, packet switching can support a higher number of simultaneous connections and is better suited for applications that require variable data rates, making it the preferred technology for most modern data networks.