Communication Mode

Transmission mode means transmission of data between two devices using a communication channel that tells about the direction of flow of information between the devices. There are three ways or modes of data transmission and they are:

Simplex Mode- The communication is unidirectional. Only one of the two devices on a link can transmit; the other can only receive. The full capacity of the channel is used for one way communication. E.g., Communication between keyboard and CPU.

It’s advantages:

It utilizes the full capacity of the communication channel during the transmission.
It has least or no data traffic issues as data flows only in one direction.

It’s disadvantages:

It is uni-directional.
There is no mechanism for information to be transmitted back to the sender.

Half-Duplex Mode- Each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same time. When one device is sending, the other can only receive and vice versa. Eg: Walkie-talkie

It’s advantages:

It facilitates the optimum use of the communication channel.
It provides two-way communication.

It’s disadvantages:

Two-way communication cannot be established simultaneously at the same time.
Delay in transmission may occur as only one way communication can be possible at a time.

Full-duplex Mode- In this transmission mode, both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. The capacity of the channel is divided into two half for two way communication. E.g., Cellphones

It’s advantages:

Two-way communication can be carried out simultaneously.
It is the fastest mode of communication between devices.

It’s disadvantages:

Improper channel bandwidth utilization as the same line is used for sending and receiving data at the same time.