Difference between Simplex, Half duplex and Full Duplex Transmission Modes

Transferring data between two devices is known as Transmission Mode. It is also known as Communication Mode. In this article, we are going to discuss Simplex Mode, Half Duplex Mode and Full Duplex Mode and we will also see the differences between them.

We design networks and buses to allow communication between devices. There are 3 types of transmission modes which are given below:

• Simplex mode
• Half duplex mode
• Full-duplex mode

Simplex Mode

In simplex mode, Sender can send the data but the sender can’t receive the data. It is a type of unidirectional communication in which communication happens in only one direction. Example of this kind of mode is Keyboard, Traditional Monitors, etc.

Simplex Mode

Half-Duplex Mode

In half-duplex mode, Sender can send the data and also receive the data one at a time. It is a type of two-way directional communication but restricted to only one at a time. An example of this kind of transmission is the Walkie-Talkie, where the message is sent one at a time but in both directions.

Half Duplex Mode

Full Duplex Mode

In Full-duplex mode, Sender can send the data and also can receive the data simultaneously. It is two-way directional communication simultaneously that is both way of communication happens at a same time. Example of this kind of transmission is Telephone Network, where communication happens simultaneously.

Full Duplex Mode

For more detailed description of these topics, refer to Transmission Mode in Computer Networks.

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

Parameters	Simplex	Half Duplex	Full Duplex
The direction of communication	Simplex mode is a uni-directional communication.	Half Duplex mode is a two-way directional communication but one at a time.	Full Duplex mode is a two-way directional communication simultaneously.
Sender and Receiver	In simplex mode, Sender can send the data but that sender can’t receive the data.	In Half Duplex mode, Sender can send the data and also can receive the data but one at a time.	In Full Duplex mode, Sender can send the data and also can receive the data simultaneously.
Channel usage	Usage of one channel for the transmission of data.	Usage of one channel for the transmission of data.	Usage of two channels for the transmission of data.
Performance	The simplex mode provides less performance than half duplex and full duplex.	The Half Duplex mode provides less performance than full duplex.	Full Duplex provides better performance than simplex and half duplex mode.
Bandwidth Utilization	Simplex utilizes the maximum of a single bandwidth.	The Half-Duplex involves lesser utilization of single bandwidth at the time of transmission.	The Full-Duplex doubles the utilization of transmission bandwidth.
Suitable for	It is suitable for those transmissions when there is requirement of full bandwidth for delivering data.	It is suitable for those transmissions when there is requirement of sending data in both directions, but not at the same time.	It is suitable for those transmissions when there is requirement of sending and receiving data simultaneously in both directions.
Examples	Example of simplex mode are: Keyboard and monitor.	Example of half duplex mode is: Walkie-Talkies.	Example of full duplex mode is: Telephone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1: Among Simplex, Half duplex and Full Duplex Transmission Modes, which offers highest data rate?

Answer:

Full Duplex Transmission Mode generally offers the highest data rate, because it can transmit in both directions simultaneously.

Q.2: Which mode is most complex to implement?

Answer:

Full Duplex transmission Mode is the most complex to implement because of its simultaneous transmission and receiving capabilities.