State, with a reason, where it would be appropriate to use circuit switching.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] (a) One mark per mark point (Max 2) • Circuit switching is used where a dedicated path needs to be sustained throughout the call / communication // where the whole bandwidth is required // where a real time communication is used. • A typical application is standard voice communications / video streaming / private data networks
2. [4] (b) One mark per benefit (Max 2) MP1 Whole of bandwidth is available MP2 Dedicated communication channel increases the quality of transmission MP3 Data is transmitted with a fixed data rate MP4 No waiting time at switches MP5 Suitable for long continuous communication MP6 Fast method of data transfer MP7 Data arrives in the same order as it was sent MP8 Data can't get lost MP9 Data all follows the same path / route MP10 Better for real-time MP11 Simple method of data transfer. One mark per drawback (Max 2) MP1 A dedicated connection makes it impossible to transmit other data even if the channel is free MP2 Not very flexible MP3 No alternative route in case of failure MP4 The time required to establish the physical link between the two stations can be too long MP5 The need to establish a dedicated path for each connection can have cost implications MP6 Dedicated channels require the whole bandwidth / bandwidth can't be shared