data exchange (DX)
Data exchange (DX) is the basic function for selecting the transmission path in all network concepts. It is used to transmit data from a sending station to receiving stations.
The type of switching technology distinguishes between circuit switching, in which a connection is switched between the sending and receiving stations, memory switching, in which the data is temporarily stored, data packet and cell switching, in which the paths through the network are switched on the basis of the addresses in the data packet, or message switching.
In the different network concepts, the function of data switching is performed by different network components. These include the switching nodes in circuit switching, the hubs, switches and routers in local networks, the routers, gateways and exchange points in wide- area networks, and the access points and WLAN routers in wireless LANs.