Duplex

• a mode of communication that allows data to be transmitted in both directions simultaneously.

• enables two endpoints (such as client and server) to send and receive data concurrently, without the need to alternate between sender and receiver roles.

• Two types

  • Half-Duplex:

    • data can be transmitted in both directions, but not at the same time.

    • Each endpoint takes turns sending and receiving data.

    • Not as common as full duplex

    • For example, walkie-talkies operate in half-duplex mode, where one person talks while the other listens, and then they switch roles.

    • Ethernet Hubs:

      • Ethernet hubs operate in a half-duplex mode.

      • In a hub-based Ethernet network, all devices connected to the hub share the same collision domain, which means they cannot transmit and receive data simultaneously.

      • When a device sends data to the hub, the hub broadcasts the data to all connected devices, and collisions can occur if multiple devices transmit at the same time.

      • This collision detection mechanism is a characteristic of half-duplex communication in Ethernet hubs.

  • Full Duplex

    • data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously.

    • Both endpoints can send and receive data at the same time, allowing for real-time and interactive communication.

    • For example, a telephone conversation is full-duplex, as both parties can speak and listen simultaneously.

    • Examples are

      • Websockets

      • Video conferencing

• It enables efficient and interactive data exchange between two endpoints, facilitating:

  • real-time applications

  • collaborative systems

  • simultaneous data transfer