In the context of networking, what is a virtual circuit?

A virtual circuit refers to a method of establishing a temporary or logical connection between two devices in a network for the purpose of data transmission. This concept is essential in various networking protocols, particularly in packet-switched networks, where data is sent in packets rather than through a dedicated physical circuit.

The advantage of a virtual circuit is that it allows multiple connections to share the same physical network infrastructure effectively, enabling better resource utilization. Once the communication session is established, the virtual circuit maintains the path for the duration of the session, ensuring that packets are delivered in order and are less prone to errors. This is particularly relevant in networking models such as X.25 or ATM, where a predefined route is established before any data is transmitted.

In contrast, the other options describe different networking concepts that do not capture the essence of what a virtual circuit is. A physical connection pertains to tangible links like cables or fiber optics, managing broadcast domains relates to network segmentation and traffic control, and addressing protocols pertain to the identification of devices on a network. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in networking, but they do not define the temporary, logical connection structure of a virtual circuit as accurately as option B does.