switched network


switched network

[′swicht ′net‚wərk] (communications) A communications network, such as the dial telephone network, in which any station may be connected with any other through the use of switching and control devices.

switched network

(1) The international dial-up telephone system.

(2) A network in which a temporary connection is established from one point to another for either the duration of the session (circuit switching) or for the transmission of one or more packets of data (packet switching). See packet switching and circuit switching.