Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 1

4.0 Introduction to Packet Switching

In message switching, each switching centre stores incoming messages until the required
outgoing circuit becomes free and then re-transmits them. No calls are lost because
of congestion, but delays are incurred.

Simple message switching is not very suitable for data traffic, because of the very large
variation of holding time. Messages can vary in length from a single character from a
keyboard to very long streams of data. The operator of a VDU who is interrogating a
distant computer needs a quick response. It will not be obtained if the message has to
wait in a queue while a large file is being exchanged between two mainframe
computers.

For this reason, data networks use a modified form of message switching called packet
switching. Long messages are split into a number of short ones, called packets,
which are transmitted separately, (as shown in figure 4.0.1 below). Thus, the single
packet from the VDU operator is sent between packets of the large computer file,
instead of waiting until its transmission is complete and the delay is minimised.

C
A-D
B-C
A A-C
A-C

D
DTE DTE

B-E , A-D , B-C , A- A-D B-D

C ..
B-C

B-D

B-E B-E
B E
Figure 4.0.1

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 2

4.0 con’t/…

The format of a typical packet is shown in figure 4.0.2 below. Since each packet is
handled as a complete message, its data must be preceded by a header, which
contains the destination address of the message. It is possible for packets sometimes
to arrive at their destination in a different order from that in which they are sent.
Each header therefore contains a sequence number, to enable packets to be
reassembled in the correct order at the receiving terminal. Other bits are added to the
header for control purposes, eg; to indicate whether a packet contains a message or is
being sent to control the network. The packet ends with bits added for error detection
and correction. The most popular error-detection technique uses a cyclic redundancy
check code (CRC).

HEADER TEXT DATA CRC

Destination Op Code Source Seq. Byte

Address address Count

Figure 4.0.2 Typical packet format

If the receiving terminal is to obtain correction of errors by requesting retransmission of a

packet, then its header must contain the address of the sending terminal. If packets can
vary in length, the receiving terminal must be able to know when it has received the
complete packet. The length of the packet is therefore also included in the header.
However, some systems use a flag, ie; a predetermined unique combinations of digits, to
indicate the end of a packet, instead of sending a length count.

The data network and its terminals, DTE handle the packets by procedures known as
protocols. These operate at a number of different levels, from the physical one of sending
bits over a data link to the protocols pertaining to the particular application for which the
system is used. The protocols can therefore be defined in terms of the OSI 7-layer
model.

Packet Switching was first developed for use in private data networks. It is widely used in
local area network (LANs), for data transmission within a single site or building. Packet
switching is also used in wide area network (WANs), for data transmission between
different site of an organisation. A WAN may link LANs at different locations. If two
networks use the same protocols, they may be linked by a simple apparatus called a
bridge. If they use different protocols, more complex equipment known as a gateway is
required to translate from one protocol to the other.

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 3

4.1 Packet Switching – protocols and advantages

Packet switching is now well established as data communication techniques. Current

developments have lead to exponential growth in network size and user demand for
switching capabilities ten or more times greater than are in general use today.

Packet switching offers users an open structure communications environment, which

allows flexibility in the choice of terminal and computing equipment combined with
growth capability. The network makes cost effective use of line bandwidth for data
transmission in computer to computer transactions, maximising data integrity and
network availability while minimising the cost.

Packet switch uses the multi layer CCITT X.25 protocol to establish switched virtual
circuits between any points in the data networks. The lowest physical layer defines the
circuit hardware and electrical interference. At the second or data link layer each packet
is given a cyclical redundancy check mode for error detection as well as framing flags to
permit on a synchronous circuit at the third level or virtual circuit layer packets are
numbered in sequence to control data flow and enable the detection and correction of
missing and disordered packets.

Packet switching is becoming more established around the world. This is possible by the
use of the CCITT X.25. One of the greatest attractions of X.25 is the flexible routing it
offers once the destination address is correctly specified. The network can be left to
decide on its own choice of path through the twist and turns of the physical network.
Hence avoiding bottlenecks, (preventing calls from being blocked).

Advantages of Packet Switching

4 Handling of large data volumes

4 Security, Reliability and speed which is not possible on PSTN

4 World-wide access

4 On-line information retrieval to get most up-to-date information quickly and

efficiently.

4 Access to public data bases to have news, publications, technical research data,
portfolios, statistics, etc…

4 and lots more…….

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 4

4.2 OSI 7-layer

Packets Packet switching standards are open and fully integrated into the OSI seven
layer reference mode. The OSI seven layer can be seen below,

Layer 1 : Physical

Electrical/optical and mechanical requirements to permit a continuous path for data

transfer to be provided over physical medium.

Layer 2 : Data Link

Data-frame composition including header, control, and error detection/correction

requirements, to enable data transfer over the path provided by Layer 1.

Layer 3 : Network

Interconnection of paths provided by layer 1 carrying the data composed by Layer 2,

including the requirements to deliver the data in the correct sequence.

Layer 4 : Transport

Matching between data users of any multiplexing requirements as determined by, for
example, the packet-switched methods of communications.

Layer 5 : Session

Matching between data users of data-transfer modes (two way simultaneous or alternate
or one way only), synchronisation requirements etc.

Layer 6 : Presentation

Matching of data structures and coding method between data users.

Layer 7 : Application

It concerns the relationship between a data user’s computer program and the
communication environments.

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 5

4.3 CCITT/ITU protocol

First of all, What is CCITT?

CCITT stands for Consultative Committee for International Telephony and Telegraphy.
It is an agency of the United Nations that develops recommended world-wide standards
and protocols for the telecommunications industry. CCITT is now known as ITU-TS.

ITU-TS stands for International Telecommunication Union. Telecommunication

Standardisation. Below are some of the CCITT/ITU protocol;

 X.3, X.28, X.29 : Asynchronous and telex terminals to the Packet Switched Data
Network,(PSDN) Packet Assembler/Disassembler (PAD)

 X.25 : Computer/intelligent terminals (users) to the Packet Switched

Data Network (PSDN)

 X.75 : Packet Switched Data Network (PSDN) to Packet Switched

Data Network (PSDN)

4.4 CCITT X.25, three(3) layer protocol

Layer 1 : > Synchronisation

Layer 2 : > Error detection & correction by retransmission.

> Network Transparency

Layer 3 : > Sequencing

> Flow Control
> Multiplexing
> Call Set-up & clearing
> Network Inter-working
> Logical In/Out Band Signalling

4.5 The 4 Methods of accessing the service in Brunei

There are four (4) ways in which users can access the service, namely; (refer to diagram
on Data Plus Network)

1. By using a dedicated or leased line circuit

2. By using the PSTN through dial-up circuit
3. By using an electronic telex/teletex access
4. By using a paging circuit

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 6

4.6 MODEM

What is Modem?
Modem is a contraction of the words modulator and demodulator. The Modem converts
a computer’s digital bit stream into an analogue signal suitable for the telephone lines,
and vice versa.

Do we need a Modem for Dataplus?

Yes, we definitely need a Modem. As you know now that there are two types of circuit,
the Dedicated, and the dial-up circuit. No matter which type of circuit you will need two
modems. One to be located at the exchange (telephone House) and the other at the
subscriber premises. Dedicated subscribers require dedicated Modem and dial-up
subscribers require dial-up Modem. (refer to DataPlus Network for dedicated and dial-up
circuit)

Below can be seen the connection of a remote terminal to the Host computer. The Host
Computer is located at the exchange. Dedicated subscriber need 4 wires while dial-up
subscribers need only 2 wires.

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 7

4.7 DATAPLUS Tariff

Montly Access + Usage (Duration) + Volume + Line Charges

Other charges (optional)

Facilities Charges

1. Closed user group (CUG) $10 per member per month

2. Network user identification $20 per registration

3. Permanent Virtual circuit $20 per circuit

4. Changes after installation $20 each facility

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 8

4.8 Dataplus International Service by JTB

Apart from national connections, (Brunei), the Dataplus service is also available for
overseas destinations for the efficient digital data transfer of information. Up to now,
Jabatan Talikom Brunei (JTB) provide service to countries like;

 Malaysia, MAYPAC
 Singapore, TELEPAC
 Through Singapore,
• United Kingdom, IPSS (DNIC = 1)
• United States, TYMNET & ACCUNET (DNIC = 1)
• Italy, ITAPAC (DNIC = 3)
• Indonesia, SKDP (DNIC = 1)
• Thailand, THAIPAK (DNIC = 1)
• Japan, VenusP & NTTDDX (DNIC = 2)
• Germany, DATEX (DNIC = 1)

Note : DNIC stands for Destination Network Identification Code

(just like BSB 02)

4.9 Dataplus National Service by JTB

In Brunei there are only a few company connected to this service. There are two types of
circuit. (refer to diagram of Data Plus Network)

1. Dedicated circuit. This circuit uses 4 wires, 1 pair for transmits, and the other pair
for receives. Some of the subscriber for dedicated circuit are;
♦ Brunei Shell Petroleum
♦ Great Eastern Life
♦ Tractor Malaysia
♦ Police

2. Dial up circuit. This circuit uses 2 wires only. Some of the subscribers are;
♦ Brunei Investment Agency
♦ Slumberger

At the moment, the typical bit rate for Data plus switching in Brunei Darussalam is 9.6
Kbits/s.

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08

Chapter 3 : Packet Switching 9

4.10 Introduction to EWSP system used by JTB

As you all know EWSD which is from Germany is used for telephony for telephone
switching. EWSP is not used for telephony but for packet switching. EWSP system is a
packet switching with modular system architecture based on a multiprocessor concept.
The modular system structure enables optimum network configurations to be set up to
suit different network requirements.

EWSP system is used for transmitting large quantities of data, such as for telex, teletext,
videotext, and data processing, by packet switching. The EWSP system structure permits
interworking with existing switching and transmission facilities. Network interworking is
possible from the packet switching network;
 to the public switched telephone network PSTN
 to the circuit switched public data network
 to another packet switched public data network PSPDN (Packet Switched Public Data
Network)
 to the TELEX network
 to the ISDN via a packet server module(PSM)

Telex
network

PSPDN X.28
X.75

PSPDN
with
EWSP

Asyn
DTE
X.28 X.75
PSM

X.32
Packet
DTE ISDN
PSTN

PSTN : Public Switched Telephone Network DTE : Data Terminal Equipment

PSPDN : Packet-switched public data network PSM : Packet server module
TX : Telex network

By: Hairul MTSSR Last update : 15/12/08