virtualcircuit
A virtual circuit is a communication pathway between two network endpoints established to carry data along a predefined route. It presents itself as a dedicated connection, while sharing the underlying physical network infrastructure.
In practice, virtual circuits are created by network equipment that maintains per-connection state and uses signaling
Modern analogs include MPLS, where label-switched paths function as virtual circuits over IP networks. The network
Advantages of virtual circuits include reduced per-packet overhead, potential for predictable performance, and easier enforcement of
See also virtual circuit switching, MPLS, ATM, and Frame Relay for related concepts and implementations.