In a circuit-switched network, what is established between two endpoints?

In a circuit-switched network, a dedicated communication path is established between two endpoints for the duration of the call or session. This means that the resources required for the transmission, such as bandwidth and switching capacity, are reserved exclusively for this communication channel. This is in contrast to other network types, such as packet-switched networks, where the data is divided into packets and sent over a shared medium, dynamically routing those packets based on current network conditions.

The establishment of a dedicated path ensures consistent and predictable quality of service, which is crucial for applications that require real-time communication, such as voice calls. Once established, this connection remains intact until one of the parties disconnects, providing a stable and uninterrupted flow of information.

Other options describe aspects of different networking technologies. A flexible connection that changes frequently typically refers to protocols that can adjust connections dynamically, which is not the nature of circuit switching. A shared bandwidth for multiple users pertains to packet-switched networks, where multiple communications can coexist on the same network paths. Lastly, a temporary connection based on packet-switching highlights the transient and dynamic nature of packet-switched networks, which contrasts with the dedicated, lasting connections typical of circuit-switched environments.