Simplex | Half Duplex | Full Duplex

Types of Communication Channels-

 

In computer networking, there are 3 types of communication channels-

 

 

1. Simplex channel
2. Half duplex channel
3. Full duplex channel

 

1. Simplex Channel-

 

• A simplex communication channel can send the signals only in one direction.
• Thus, entire bandwidth of the channel can be used during the transmission.

 

Example-

 

Radio station

• Radio station is a good example of a simplex communication channel.
• A radio station always sends signals to its audience.
• It never receives signals from the audience.

 

2. Half Duplex Channel-

 

• A half duplex communication channel can send signals in both the directions but in only one direction at a time.
• It may be considered as a simplex communication channel whose transmission direction can be switched.

 

Example-

 

Walkie-Talkie

• Walkie-Talkie is a good example of a half duplex channel.
• Walkie-talkie has a push-to-talk button.
• This button is used to turn on the transmitter but turn off the receiver.
• When the button is pressed, transmitter can not hear the receiver but receiver can hear the transmitter.

 

3. Full Duplex Channel-

 

• A full duplex communication channel can send signals in both the directions at the same time.
• Full duplex communication channels greatly increases the efficiency of communication.

 

Example-

 

Telephone

• Telephone is a good example of a full duplex channel.
• Both the persons can speak as well as hear each other at the same time.

 

Channel Capacity-

 

The total number of bits a channel can hold is called as its capacity.

 

Capacity of a half duplex channel = Bandwidth x Propagation delay

 

Capacity of a full duplex channel = 2 x Capacity of a half duplex channel = 2 x Bandwidth x Propagation delay

 

To gain better understanding about communication channels in networking,

Watch this Video Lecture

 

Next Article- Stop and Wait Protocol

 

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