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

Computer Network Network Operating System

Transmission Mode represents the direction of the movement of data from one connection devices to other devices. It communicates the order of signal movement between the two devices.

Following are the types of transmission modes in a computer network −

Simplex Transmission Mode

In a computing network, when there is a single movement of data or one control movement of data from the sender to the receiver, it is called the Simplex mode of transmission.

For example,

A connection between a machine and a keyboard contains a simplex duplex transmission. A television advertisement is an example of simplex duplex transmission.
A loudspeaker system is also a simplex transmission. A broadcaster communicates into a microphone, and his speech is transmitted by an amplifier and then to all the talkers.

Half Duplex Transmission Mode

In computing networks, when there is both technique movement of data or both control movement of data from the sender to the receiver but only one at the moment is referred to as a half-duplex mode of transmission.

For example, an intercom works in half-duplex mode. It can transmit or receive communication at any provided time. It cannot do both at the same time.

Full-Duplex Transmission Mode

In computing networks, when there is both technique movement of data and control movement of data from the sender to the receiver together is referred to as a full-duplex mode of transmission.

An example of this mode of transmission is the phone. When two persons interact through phone using a phone line, both can speak and listen together.

Comparison between Simplex, Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex Mode

Comparison	Simplex Mode	Half-Duplex Mode	Full-Duplex Mode
Direction of Communication	Communication in one direction only.	Both directions but one direction at a time simultaneously.	Communications in both directions.
Send/Receive	A machine can only address the information but cannot receive it or only receive the data but cannot send it.	Both the devices can send and receive the information, but one at a time.	Both devices can send and receive the data together.
Advantages	It uses the whole scope of the channel to broadcast data in one control. So it can be used when maximum bandwidth is needed during the transmission.	It can maintain bandwidth as only a single communication medium is required, shared alternatively between the two managements.	It can be used when the connection in both controls is needed all the time without delays.
Performance	The performance of the half-duplex mode is superior to the simplex mode.	The performance of the full-duplex mode is superior to the half-duplex mode.	The Full-duplex mode has good performance among simplex and half-duplex modes as it matches the uses of the communication channel’s volume.
Example	Example of simplex modes is TV Transmission.	An example of Half-Duplex Mode is Voice Communication.	An example of Full-Duplex Mode is Data Transmission.