<NetworkiNg> A coNNectioN-orieNtedNetwork service which is implemeNted oN top of a Network which may be either coNNectioN-orieNted or coNNectioNless (packet switchiNg). The term "switched virtual circuit" was coiNed Needlessly to distiNguish aN ordiNary virtual circuit from a {permaNeNt virtual circuit}. (ONe of the perpetrators of this coNfusioN appears to be ["NetworkiNg EsseNtials", 1996, Microsoft Press, ISBN 1-55615-806-8], a book aimed at people prepariNg for the MCSE exam oNLANs aNd WANs). Not to be coNfused with switched virtual coNNectioN. (2001-10-26)