Half-Duplex vs Full-Duplex Networks

6 Questions

What is a characteristic of a half-duplex network?

Devices can only communicate with each other in one direction at a time.

What is an example of a full-duplex communication?

Having a telephone conversation.

What is the main difference between half-duplex and full-duplex networks?

The ability to communicate in both directions at the same time.

What is the purpose of a 'policeman' in a half-duplex network?

To regulate the flow of traffic and avoid collisions.

What is a limitation of half-duplex networks?

They have a lower bandwidth compared to full-duplex networks.

What is the current trend in network usage?

Full-duplex networks are widely used, and half-duplex networks are mostly found in older equipment.

Study Notes

In a half-duplex (poluduplex) network, two devices are connected point-to-point using a network cable, and they can communicate with each other in both directions, but only in one direction at a time.
In a half-duplex connection, if computer A sends data to computer B, computer B must wait until computer A finishes sending before it can send data back to computer A.
Half-duplex is similar to using a walkie-talkie, where one person must press a button to talk, and the other person cannot hear what the first person is saying until the button is released.
Full-duplex (duplex) is better than half-duplex because it allows devices to communicate with each other in both directions simultaneously.
In full-duplex, devices can send and receive data at the same time, giving it a doubled bandwidth compared to half-duplex.
A good example of full-duplex is a telephone conversation, where two people can talk and listen to each other simultaneously.
A half-duplex network can be compared to a one-lane road where cars must take turns using the lane, and a full-duplex network can be compared to a two-lane road where cars can travel in both directions simultaneously.
In a half-duplex network, a "policeman" (CSMA/CD) is needed to regulate the flow of traffic and avoid collisions.
Currently, full-duplex networks are widely used, and half-duplex networks are mostly found in older equipment that can only work in half-duplex mode.
Concentrators, which can only work in half-duplex mode, are an example of outdated equipment that are no longer used or available for purchase.