Transmission Modes in Computer Networks (Simplex, Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex)

Transmission modes also known as communication modes, are methods of transferring data between devices on buses and networks designed to facilitate communication. They are classified into three types: Simplex Mode, Half-Duplex Mode, and Full-Duplex Mode. In this article, we will discuss Transmission Modes.

What is Transmission Modes?

Transmission mode means transferring data between two devices. It is also known as a communication mode. Buses and networks are designed to allow communication to occur between individual devices that are interconnected.  There are three types of transmission modes: 

Simplex Mode

In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, as on a one-way street. Only one of the two devices on a link can transmit, the other can only receive. The simplex mode can use the entire capacity of the channel to send data in one direction. 
Example: Keyboard and traditional monitors. The keyboard can only introduce input, the monitor can only give the output. 

Advantages of Simplex Mode

• Simplex mode is the easiest and most reliable mode of communication.
• It is the most cost-effective mode, as it only requires one communication channel.
• There is no need for coordination between the transmitting and receiving devices, which simplifies the communication process.
• Simplex mode is particularly useful in situations where feedback or response is not required, such as broadcasting or surveillance.

Disadvantages of Simplex Mode

• Only one-way communication is possible.
• There is no way to verify if the transmitted data has been received correctly.
• Simplex mode is not suitable for applications that require bidirectional communication.

Half-Duplex Mode

In 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. The half-duplex mode is used in cases where there is no need for communication in both directions at the same time. The entire capacity of the channel can be utilized for each direction. 
Example: Walkie-talkie in which message is sent one at a time and messages are sent in both directions. 

Channel capacity=Bandwidth * Propagation Delay

Advantages of Half Duplex Mode

• Half-duplex mode allows for bidirectional communication, which is useful in situations where devices need to send and receive data.
• It is a more efficient mode of communication than simplex mode, as the channel can be used for both transmission and reception.
• Half-duplex mode is less expensive than full-duplex mode, as it only requires one communication channel.

Disadvantages of Half Duplex Mode

• Half-duplex mode is less reliable than Full-Duplex mode, as both devices cannot transmit at the same time.
• There is a delay between transmission and reception, which can cause problems in some applications.
• There is a need for coordination between the transmitting and receiving devices, which can complicate the communication process.

Full-Duplex Mode

In full-duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. In full_duplex mode, signals going in one direction share the capacity of the link with signals going in another direction, this sharing can occur in two ways: 

• Either the link must contain two physically separate transmission paths, one for sending and the other for receiving.
• Or the capacity is divided between signals traveling in both directions. 

Full-duplex mode is used when communication in both directions is required all the time. The capacity of the channel, however, must be divided between the two directions. 
Example: Telephone Network in which there is communication between two persons by a telephone line, through which both can talk and listen at the same time. 

Channel Capacity=2* Bandwidth*propagation Delay

Advantages of Full-Duplex Mode

• Full-duplex mode allows for simultaneous bidirectional communication, which is ideal for real-time applications such as video conferencing or online gaming.
• It is the most efficient mode of communication, as both devices can transmit and receive data simultaneously.
• Full-duplex mode provides a high level of reliability and accuracy, as there is no need for error correction mechanisms.

Disadvantages of Full-Duplex Mode

• Full-duplex mode is the most expensive mode, as it requires two communication channels.
• It is more complex than simplex and half-duplex modes, as it requires two physically separate transmission paths or a division of channel capacity.
• Full-duplex mode may not be suitable for all applications, as it requires a high level of bandwidth and may not be necessary for some types of communication.

Difference Between Simplex, Half duplex, and Full Duplex Transmission Modes

Conclusion

Transmission modes enable communication between devices and are classified into three types: simplex mode, which allows unidirectional communication and is cost-effective but supports only one-way data transfer; half-duplex mode, which allows bidirectional communication but not simultaneously, offering a balance between efficiency and cost; and full-duplex mode, which enables simultaneous two-way communication, providing the highest efficiency and reliability but is the most complex and expensive.