Which technique does internet use for data transmission?
Now a days , most of the data transmission on internet uses packet switching technique for transmission. In packet switching many paths are available from source to destination , packets can choose any of them to reach the destination depending on the traffic on a particular line. Hence it is more reliable than circuit switching technique. Below diagram depicts how packet switching takes place.
But due to more and more advancement in this field one another technique comes into picture ie. MPLS(Multi-Protocol Label Switching).
MPLS is a mechanism for routing traffic within a telecommunications network, as data travels from one network node to the next.
When data enters a traditional IP network, it moves among network nodes based on long network addresses. With this method, each router on which a data packet lands must make its own decision, based on routing tables, about the packet’s next stop on the network. MPLS, on the other hand, assigns a label to each packet to send it along a predetermined path.
Why MPLS is superior than packet switching?
It use packet-switched technologies over the circuit-switched networks. Unlike the IP based network, MPLS adds its labels on the first router to the Level 3 datagram. After that, Level 2 header is added as shown in Figure. MPLS headers provide better information for fast data transmission.
Difference between MPLS and packet switching
- MPLS establish dedicated path known as LSP (Label Switching Path) before data flow. While, packet switching do not establish dedicated path , just transmit packets which will be routed based on IP addresses.
- Each router builds LFIB (Label Forwarding Information Base) table in MPLS. While, in packet switching each router stores IP routing table.
Hence from above discussion we can say that MPLS is some what advance than packet switching. But mostly packet switching is used in many applications.
Example of Packet Switching:-
Suppose you are downloading a game from internet. First the data is divided into small packets. Each packet have to find a route which will take less time to reach to your computer. Packet will find its way by using header associated with it which contain source and destination IP. If any traffic occur in network the router will route packets between networks and automatically changes path to ensure data is transferred as required. And in this way the packets will reach your computer properly. Then they rearrange based on their sequence number and your game will be ready to play.
