Circuit Switching
An old method of transmitting information (voice or data) through a system or network by establishing a persistent, dedicated connection ("circuit"). This connection consumes resources even when no information is being actively transmitted, which is inefficient. This type of connection also takes time to establish, which introduces noticeable delays when using data services.
The alternative is packet switching, which is far more efficient, and enables much faster data rates.
See: Packet Switching
For data moving over mobile networks, circuit switching was phased out with the introduction of 3G technology.
For voice, circuit switching was phased out with 4G LTE (VoLTE, specifically).
See: VoLTE
Last updated Feb 11, 2022 by Rich Brome
Editor in Chief Rich became fascinated with cell phones in 1999, creating mobile web sites for phones with tiny black-and-white displays and obsessing over new phone models. Realizing a need for better info about phones, he started Phone Scoop in 2001, and has been helming the site ever since. Rich has spent two decades researching and covering every detail of the phone industry, traveling the world to tour factories, interview CEOs, and get every last spec and photo Phone Scoop readers have come to expect. As an industry veteran, Rich is a respected voice on phone technology of the past, present, and future.
