message switching: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “message switching” mean?
A telecommunications technique where complete messages are transmitted as discrete units from one node to another, with each node storing the entire message before forwarding it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A telecommunications technique where complete messages are transmitted as discrete units from one node to another, with each node storing the entire message before forwarding it.
A method of data transmission in computer networks where entire messages are routed through intermediate nodes that store and forward them; historically used before packet switching became dominant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English for this technical term.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties; may carry connotations of older, less efficient network technology.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, limited to specialized technical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “message switching” in a Sentence
Message switching was used in [network type]The system employs message switching for [purpose]Compared to [alternative], message switching has [characteristic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “message switching” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The network was designed to message-switch data between terminals.
- Early systems would message-switch telegrams across the country.
American English
- The protocol message-switches communications through hubs.
- They decided to message-switch the files rather than stream them.
adverb
British English
- Data was transmitted message-switchingly through the old network.
- The system operated message-switchingly rather than in real time.
American English
- Information flowed message-switchingly between the two mainframes.
- The network functioned message-switchingly, causing delays.
adjective
British English
- The message-switching centre handled all telegraph traffic.
- We studied message-switching protocols in our networking module.
American English
- The message-switching node became a bottleneck.
- They replaced the message-switching system with packet routing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in technical specifications for legacy systems.
Academic
Used in computer science and telecommunications history courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context; appears in networking textbooks, technical papers, and discussions of network evolution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “message switching”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “message switching”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “message switching”
- Using 'message switching' to refer to instant messaging or chat applications.
- Confusing it with 'packet switching', which fragments messages.
- Using it as a verb phrase instead of a compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It has been largely superseded by packet switching in modern networks, though some specialized or legacy systems might still use it.
High latency, as each intermediate node must receive, store, and then forward the entire message before any part of it can continue.
No. It is a specific technical term from telecommunications and computer networking, not a general term for sending messages.
Packet switching, which breaks data into smaller packets that can be routed independently and reassembled, allowing for more efficient use of network resources.
A telecommunications technique where complete messages are transmitted as discrete units from one node to another, with each node storing the entire message before forwarding it.
Message switching is usually technical in register.
Message switching: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛsɪdʒ ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛsɪdʒ ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this technical term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of passing a sealed letter through multiple post offices (nodes) where each office reads the full address before sending it to the next.
Conceptual Metaphor
A relay race where each runner must receive the entire baton before passing it to the next runner.
Practice
Quiz
What is the main characteristic that distinguishes message switching from packet switching?