What makes packet switching more efficient than circuit switching technology?

Packet switching is distinguished from circuit switching primarily by how data is managed and transmitted across a network. In packet switching, data is broken down into packets that are sent independently over the network. Each packet can take a different route to reach its destination, where they are reassembled. This method allows for more efficient use of the network because multiple users can share the same network resources simultaneously.

By maintaining a connection only during the transport of data, packet switching does not require a dedicated line to be used for the entire duration of a communication session, as seen in circuit switching. This allows for dynamic allocation of network resources, meaning that bandwidth can be utilized more flexibly and efficiently. The ability to manage data in this way helps optimize the use of the network infrastructure, as it can handle varying amounts of traffic without requiring continuous connection setup.

In contrast, the other options introduce concepts that are characteristic of circuit switching rather than packet switching. Continuous connection and dedicated circuits imply a static resource allocation, which leads to inefficiencies and underutilization of available bandwidth when calls or sessions are idle. While packet switching does indeed tend to require less infrastructure than circuit switching overall, the defining aspect that makes it more efficient is the manner in which it manages connections and data transport.