What is the main idea behind "circuit switching" in communications?

In circuit switching, the primary concept is the establishment of a dedicated communication path between two endpoints for the entire duration of the call or session. This means that once a connection is made, a specific circuit is reserved exclusively for the communicating parties, ensuring that all data transmissions can occur in a steady, predictable manner without interference from other users.

This method is particularly advantageous for applications that require a consistent and continuous flow of data, such as voice calls, where real-time communication is crucial. While the dedicated path provides a reliable connection, it also means that the resources can be underutilized when users are not actively communicating, as the circuit is reserved solely for that call until it is terminated.

In contrast, other options such as sharing lines with multiple users or employing packet-switched methods do not reflect the core principle of circuit switching. Packet transmission or enabling faster data transfers by sending multiple packets pertains more to packet switching, which operates on a different set of principles and is designed for different types of communication scenarios.