Modes of Data Transmission

By Luke

Talking about data transmission can get confusing sometimes, we talk of types, modes, ways, these terms maybe synonymous to each other however they do have very distinct differences and cover different aspects of data transfer, I recently covered ‘types’ of data transmission in a network, which consists of how they maybe transferred, serially or in parallel, modes are pretty much ‘rules’ of the versatility of how data can be transmitted.

Data can be transferred in 3 different modes, these 3 modes are equally popular and used in common everyday situations.

Simplex

If data can only be transferred in a single direction (one way) it is known as simplex. Television transmission is an example of Simplex transmission, here data can be transferred only to a television but no data can be transferred in the opposite direction.

Duplex

When data maybe transferred in two directions simultaneously it is known as Duplex, a simple telephone conversation would be an example, while we usually don’t talk simultaneously a telephone provides that ‘duplex’ functionality.

Half-Duplex

In this mode of transmission as well, data maybe transmitted in both directions, however it cannot be done simultaneously. A Walkie Talkie would be an example of this mode of transmission.

The different modes are implemented based on their requirements, for example in Simplex transmission, two way transmission is not required in television transmission thus Simplex is used.

People who read this post also read:

Different Types of Network Transmission

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Data Transfer in a Network

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Ways of retrieving data from unreadable CD/DVD’s

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About The Author

Luke is a Software Developer and the main writer behind Computer Realm.

6 Comments so far

uk phone deals September 7, 2009 5:33 pm

I was confused in theory, but this pictorial description give some good idea and a clear understanding.
.-= uk phone deals´s last blog ..Sony Ericsson Pureness UK release =-.

Reply
cleondann@Kvm switches 2 port January 19, 2010 1:57 pm

I have read full duplex and half duplex terms before. Thanks for giving this diagram defination and visulaize the actual pattern. Thanks!!
I like this post.

Regards
cleon dann
.-= cleondann@Kvm switches 2 port´s last blog ..Finding a Server KVM Switch – What to Pick? =-.

Reply
Peter February 26, 2010 12:57 am

Ah, now I see the difference between half duplex and full duplex! Strange how these small things can elude us until someone explains it properly. Thank you again for your very clear explanation and the diagram..
.-= Peter´s last blog ..Search Engine Verify WordPress Plugin =-.

Reply
Luqmaan reply on March 2nd, 2010 8:16 pm:
Glad to know it helped, thanks for the comment.

Reply
Bisrat April 26, 2010 10:14 pm

I like to see all about the networking date transmission on update way.

Reply
Igwe francis July 16, 2011 8:07 pm

Thank u for your explianation you have helped me to pass my test in school

Reply