A blocking network does not accept a connection between the sender and receiver due to network limitations, i.e., all possible paths between them are utilized. It is possible to design a non-blocking network but this can be very expensive. Usually design to be non-blocking for normal usage, e.g., the telephone network. Circuit switching technology Dedicated communications path between two stations via the node to node links. On each link, if there are multiple channels then one channel is dedicated to the connection.
Circuit switching is used extensively in the telephone network.
Actual path determined based on routing information, availability, cost, capacity. After initial delay to establish connection, network is like a point to point link. At each intermediate node through network packet is briefly stored and forwarded. Actual path chosen either on a per-packet basis or for the entire message. Circuit switching leads to possible under-utilization of the line.