Why is packet-switching technology considered to be more efficient than circuit switching technology?

Prepare for the Broadband Digital Installer Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations for each question. Ace your exam!

Packet-switching technology is deemed more efficient than circuit-switching technology primarily due to its ability to occupy the network only for the duration of time required to transport data packets. In packet-switching, data is broken into smaller packets that are sent independently over the network, utilizing whatever available pathways are best at that moment. This means that network resources are used more dynamically and can accommodate multiple communications simultaneously, as each packet can take any available route to its destination.

Unlike circuit-switching, which establishes a dedicated communication path for the entirety of a connection—therefore tying up network resources even when no data is being transmitted—packet-switching allows for more flexible and efficient use of bandwidth. Resources can be shared among many users, reducing latency and increasing overall network throughput.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the efficiency of packet switching. A dedicated network operating at all times (as mentioned in the first choice) is characteristic of circuit switching, not packet switching. The guarantee of delivery mentioned in the third option does not apply, as packet-switching may not inherently guarantee that every packet reaches its destination, depending on the protocols used. Lastly, the need for a constant connection to maintain a session is also not a feature of packet-switching; rather, it allows

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