Data Transmission Methods

Data transmission is possible in one direction only.

• e.g. Regarding speakers, simplex transmission would allow transmission of data in one direction only. This would allow sound to be sent by the computer to speakers with no feedback required.

• E.g. Satellite connections for TV use simplex mode, as satellite dishes can only receive data from a satellite – they cannot send messages back.

• E.g. Radio Transmissions. A radio can receive a signal from the transmitter but cannot send one back.

Data transmission is possible in both directions, but only in one direction at a time

• A suitable example would be a ‘push to talk’ system, for example, a walkie talkie. A pair of two-way radios operates in this way. Each unit can send or receive, but not send and receive simultaneously.

Data transmission is possible in both directions simultaneously

e.g. a video conferencing call. Full Duplex transmission would allow simultaneous transmission of data in both directions. This would allow both video and sound to be transmitted to all members of the conference at the same time.

E.g. A telephone conversation is an example of this, with a user sending and receiving a signal at the same time