Datagram or VC network: why?

Internet

• data exchange among computers

  • “elastic” service, no strict timing req.

• “smart” end systems (computers)

  • can adapt, perform control, error recovery
  • simple inside network, complexity at “edge”

• many link types

  • different characteristics
  • uniform service difficult

ATM

• evolved from telephony

• human conversation:

  • strict timing, reliability requirements
  • need for guaranteed service

• “dumb” end systems

  • telephones
  • complexity inside network

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