Final answer:
Circuit-switched network connections are limited by the number of physical circuits and the capacity of the switching equipment, with factors like bandwidth, switching capacity, and network topology affecting the maximum number of simultaneous connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of connections on a circuit-switched network is primarily determined by the network's physical infrastructure and the switching equipment used. Each circuit can handle only one connection at a time, so the total number of possible simultaneous connections is limited by the number of circuits available. Factors such as bandwidth,switching capacity, and network topology play critical roles in determining the maximum number of connections.
For example, if a network has 10 circuits, only 10 simultaneous connections can occur. Once these circuits are occupied, no new connections can be established until one becomes free. Thus, planning the network design is crucial for ensuring adequate capacity to handle anticipated traffic.
Examples that affect connections:
- Physical wires and cableswhich determine the raw number of pathways.
- Switching equipment capabilities, including the number of ports and processing power.
- Network's design, which might include redundant pathways to increase reliability but also impacts switching.