Packet-switched service (PSS) suitability: which characteristics typically fit PSS-style applications and traffic profiles?

Introduction: Packet-switched services (PSS) are designed for statistical multiplexing of variable and bursty data streams across shared networks. The question asks which traffic and deployment characteristics align well with PSS.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Bursty” means periods of activity interleaved with silence (idle time).
• Edges can be geographically distributed, including international connectivity.
• A single access circuit may serve many remote hosts/apps via packet multiplexing.

Concept / Approach: PSS is efficient when many endpoints share capacity statistically rather than reserving dedicated circuits. This suits low-to-moderate average utilization with spiky peaks, and broad geographic dispersion.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check: Historical X.25 PSS and modern IP/MPLS networks both demonstrate gains from aggregation and statistical multiplexing for such traffic patterns.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only one of the characteristics would be too narrow; PSS commonly embraces all listed traits.
• None of the above contradicts well-established PSS advantages.

Common Pitfalls: Assuming circuit switching is better for all cases; ignoring that packet networks shine when average utilization is low relative to peak.

Final Answer: All of the above.