Comparison of Simplex, Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex

The transferring of data between two devices is known as Transmission Mode or Communication Mode in Computer Networks. So the Transmission mode basically defines the direction of flow of signal between the connected devices.

TYPES OF TRANSMISSION MODES

The different types of transmission mode are:

Simplex, Half duplex and Full duplex

• Simplex : As the name signifies, it is the most simple mode of transmission. It only sends information/data in one direction i.e. from the sender to the receiver. The receiver cannot reply to the sender. For example, a radio broadcast is a simplex channel. As it sends signals to the audience but never receives signals back from them.

• Half duplex : In a Half Duplex Mode, the data/information can be sent in both the directions, but one at a time and not simultaneously. For example, a walkie-talkie is a device that can be used to send message in both  the directions, but both the persons can not exchange the message simultaneously. One can only speak and the other can only listen.

• Full Duplex : In a Full Duplex Mode, the transmission of the information between the sender and the receiver can occur simultaneously. It is used when communication in both direction is required all the time. For example, a telephone is a two way communication in which both the persons can talk and listen to each other at the same time.

COMPARISON OF TRANSMISSION MODES

The differences between the three modes of transmission can be summarized as below: