Types of Network Structures

1. Circuit-Switched Network

• A sub-network where a dedicated circuit is established between sender and receiver.
• All data passes over this dedicated circuit.
• Example: AT&T announced in 2009 the phasing out of their switched networks.

2. Packet-Switched Network

• A network where all data messages are transmitted using fixed-sized packages called packets.
• More efficient use of a telecommunications line since packets from multiple sources can share the medium.

Forms of Packet-Switched Networks

• Datagram: Each packet is independent and may follow its own path.
• Virtual Circuit: Creates a logical path through the subnet, and all packets from one connection follow this path.

3. Broadcast Network

• Typically found in local area networks (LANs) but occasionally found in wide area networks (WANs).