Transmission Modes | IBPS PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

The way in which data is transmitted from one device to another device is known as transmission mode. The transmission mode is also known as the communication mode.

The Transmission mode is divided into three categories:

• Simplex mode
• Half-duplex mode
• Full-duplex mode

Simplex mode

• In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, i.e., the data flow in one direction. 
• A device can only send the data but cannot receive it or it can receive the data but cannot send the data.
• The radio station is a simplex channel as it transmits the signal to the listeners but never allows them to transmit back. 
• Keyboard and Monitor are the examples of the simplex mode as a keyboard can only accept the data from the user and monitor can only be used to display the data on the screen. 
• The main advantage of the simplex mode is that the full capacity of the communication channel can be utilized during transmission.

Half-Duplex mode

• In a Half-duplex channel, direction can be reversed, i.e., the station can transmit and receive the data as well.
• Messages flow in both the directions, but not at the same time.
• The entire bandwidth of the communication channel is utilized in one direction at a time.
• In half-duplex mode, it is possible to perform the error detection, and if any error occurs, then the receiver requests the sender to retransmit the data.
• A Walkie-talkie is an example of the Half-duplex mode.

Full-duplex mode

• In Full duplex mode, the communication is bi-directional, i.e., the data flow in both the directions.
• Both the stations can send and receive the message simultaneously.
• Full-duplex mode has two simplex channels. One channel has traffic moving in one direction, and another channel has traffic flowing in the opposite direction.
• The Full-duplex mode is the fastest mode of communication between devices.
• The most common example of the full-duplex mode is a telephone network.