Transmission modes in a computer network

Transmission modes in a computer network

1.0 Brief Description:-

Data transmission

Data needs to be transmitted between devices in a computer system. Data is

transmitted in the form of bits. So an 8-bit byte, which stands for a single character, will be
transmitted in 8 parts, one signal for each bit.
Data transmission refers to the movement of data in form of bits between two or more digital
devices.
This transfer of data takes place and some form of transmission media.

Data transmission types

Data transmission has been categorized into two types namely parallel and serial
transmission.
Serial transmission is further classified into the synchronous and asynchronous transmission.

Parallel Transmission:

• In the parallel transmission of data, all the bits of a byte are transmitted simultaneously on
separate wires. This type requires multiple circuits for interconnecting the two devices.

• It is practically possible only if two devices are close to each other.

• E.g. Data transmission between computer and printer.

• In parallel transmission, all the bits of data are transmitted simultaneously on separate
communication lines. •Parallel transmission is used for short-distance communication.
• In order to transmit n bit, n wires or lines are used.
• More costly.
• Faster than serial transmission. Data can be transmitted in less time.

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This diagram represents the parallel transmission of 8-bit digital data. This will require 8
wires for connecting two devices.

Advantages of parallel transmission:

1. All the data bits will be transmitted simultaneously, so the time required for transmission
of N number of bits will be only one clock cycle.
2. Due to transmission in only one clock cycle, the clock frequency can be kept low without
affecting the speed of operation.
3. Faster because all the bits are traveling at the same time.

Disadvantages of parallel transmission:

1. Transmission of N bits will require an N number of wires.

2. With the increase of users these wires will be too many to handle.
3. Due to fine tolerances (resistances) in the transmission, it is less reliable as the bits can
become muddled up (as they may arrive out of order).

Serial Transmission

1. In the serial transmission of data, all the bits of a byte are transmitted serially one after the
other on the same wire.
2. This type doesn't require multiple circuits for interconnecting the
two devices, indeed it just requires 1 wire to connect.
3. It is practically possible in all sorts of situations close or far.
4. E.g. Data transmission between computer and computer.
5. In serial transmission, the various bits of data are transmitted serially one after the other.
6. It requires only one communication line rather than lines to transmit data from sender to
receiver.
7. Thus all the bits of data are transmitted
8. on single lines in serial fashion. ·
9. Less costly.

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10. Long-distance transmission.

11. This diagram represents the serial transmission of 8-bit digital data.
12. This will require only one wire for connecting two devices.

Advantages of serial transmission:

1. Only one wire is required.

2. Reduced cost due to less number of conductors.
3. Simple and reliable because the next bit is not transmitted until the current one has arrived
at its destination. So little or no chance of the bits arriving out or order and can be used over
long distances – see parallel transmission on the next slide for more explanation of this.

Disadvantages of serial transmission:

1. Slow, because only one bit can be transmitted at a time.

2. To increase the speed of data transfer, clock frequency needs to be increased.

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Types of Serial Transmission

In data communication, Timing control of the reception of bits is important. There are two
methods of timing control for the reception of bits.

1. Asynchronous data transmission:

In asynchronous transmission, the transmitter transmits data bytes at any instant of time. Only
one byte is sent at a time. There is an ideal time between two data bytes. The transmitter and
receiver operate at different clock frequencies. To help the receiver 'start' and 'stop' bits are
used along with data in middle. The ideal time between bytes is not constant. They are also
known as gaps. In asynchronous transmission timing of the signal is not important.

>Data is sent at one time in multiple bytes. Start and stop bit not used. The gap between data
units is not present. Data transmission speed fast.
>Cost high.
> Transfer of data between two computers. Synchronization between sender and receiver is
required.

Advantages of asynchronous transmission:

1. Synch between devices is not necessary.

2. It is a cheap scheme.

Disadvantages of synchronous transmission:

1. The use of 'start' and 'stop' bits and gaps between data makes transmission slow.
2. The timing errors can take place.

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2. Synchronous data transmission:

In synchronous transmission, data transmission is carried out under the control of a common
master clock. Bytes are transmitted as a block in a continuous stream of bits. The transmitter
and Receiver operate at synchronized clock frequencies. No 'start' and 'stop' bits are used. No
need for an ideal time between data bytes. In synchronous transmission timing of the signal is
important.

Sends only one character at a time (one byte of data at a time) Synchronize two devices using
Start Bit and Stop Bit. Start bit refers to the start of the data. Usually, O is used for the start
bit. The stop bit indicates the end of the data. more than one bit can be used for the end.

Advantages of asynchronous transmission:

1. Speed of data is much higher because of no 'start' and 'stop' bits and continuity.
2. Timing errors are reduced due to synch.

Disadvantages of synchronous transmission:

1. Accuracy of data is entirely dependent on timing.

2. The transmitter and receiver need to be properly synchronized.

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Transmission modes

The term transmission mode defines the direction of the flow of information between two
communication devices i.e It tells the direction of signal flow between the two devices.

There are three ways or modes of data transmission: Simplex, Half duplex (HDX), Full
duplex (FDX)

1. Simplex Transmission Mode.

2. Half Duplex Transmission Mode
3. Full-Duplex Transmission Mode.

1. Simplex Transmission Mode

In Communication Networks, Communication can take place in one direction connected to

such a circuit is either a send only or receive only device. There is no mechanism for
information to be transmitted back to the sender. Communication is unidirectional. TV
broadcasting is an example. Simplex transmission generally involves dedicated circuits.
Simplex circuits are analogous to escalators, doorbells, fire alarms, and security systems.

in simplex mode transmission information is sent in only one direction. Device connected in
simplex mode is either sent only or received only that is one device can only send, and
another device can only receive. Communication is unidirectional.

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Examples of Simplex mode:

1. Communication between a computer and a keyboard involves simple duplex transmission.

A television broadcast is an example of simplex duplex transmission.
2. Another example of simplex transmission is the loudspeaker system. An announcer speaks
into a microphone and his/her voice is sent through an amplifier and then to all the speakers.

2. Half Duplex Transmission Mode

A half-duplex system can transmit data in both directions, but only in one direction at a time
which means half-duplex modes support two-way traffic but in only one direction at a time.
The interactive transmission of data within a time-sharing system may be best suited to half-
duplex lines. Both the connected devices can transmit and receive but not simultaneously.
When one device is sending the other can only receive and vice-versa. Data is transmitted in
one direction at a time, for example. a walkie-talkie.

In half-duplex transmission, data can be sent in both directions, but only in one direction at a
time. Both the connected device can transmit and receive but not simultaneously. When one
device is sending the other can only receive and vice-versa.

Example of half-duplex mode:

A walkie-talkie operates in half-duplex mode. It can only send or receive a transmission at

any given time. It cannot do both at the same time. As shown in fig. computer A sends
information to computer B.

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3. Full-Duplex Transmission Mode.

A full-duplex system can transmit data simultaneously in both directions on the transmission
path. The full-duplex method is used to transmit the data over a serial communication link.
Two wires are needed to send data over a serial communication link layer. Full-duplex
transmission, the channel capacity is shared by both communicating devices at all times. Both
the connected devices can transmit and receive at the same time. Therefore it represents the
truly bi-directional system. The link may contain two separate transmission paths one for
sending and another for receiving. In full-duplex transmission, data can be sent in both
directions simultaneously. Both the connected devices can transmit and receive at the same
time. Therefore it represents the truly bi-directional system. In full-duplex mode, signals
going in either Direction share the full capacity of link.

Example of Full-duplex mode:

Telephone networks operate in full-duplex mode when two persons talk on a telephone line,
both can listen and speak simultaneously.

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2.0 Actual Resources Use

Sr. Name of resource

Specificions Quantity
no. material

1 textbook Data Communication And Computer Network 1

2 internet Wikipedia/quora

3 PC windows 8 1

3.0 Outputs of the Micro-Project

In this project, we information about various Transmission modes in computer networks.

4.0 Skill Developed / Learning outcomes of this Micro-Project

a.Develop group discussion skills.

b.Communication skills improved.
c. MS WORD skills developed.
d. get knowledge about data transmission modes.

Conclusion

There are three ways or modes of data transmission: Simplex, Half duplex (HDX), Full
duplex (FDX)

A full-duplex system can transmit data simultaneously in both directions on the

transmission path

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