Switched Virtual Circuit

What Does Switched Virtual Circuit Mean?

A switched virtual circuit (SVC) is a type of virtual circuit in telecommunication and computer networks that is used to establish a temporary connection between two different network nodes until completion of a data transfer session, after which the connection is terminated.

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Techopedia Explains Switched Virtual Circuit

SVCs are implemented in data, voice or video communication connection-based packet and circuit switching networks that have small or limited time usability. Typically, SVCs are created and managed by the data terminal equipment (DTE) or frame relay device.

A remote user requests a connection with the host server/device, and a virtual circuit/connection is created between both nodes. When the circuit connection’s purpose is complete, or it becomes idle, the SVC is suspended. For example, a SVC created between a remote user and server for a file download is closed when the download process is completed.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…