Uncovering How Computers Communicate in Networks

Data Transmission Mode

Transmission mode is the way data is sent from one device to another device in a network. Each mode has different characteristics in the direction of communication and bandwidth usage. There are three main transmission modes to be aware of:

Simplex Mode

In simplex mode, communication only happens in one direction. One device can send data but cannot receive it, and vice versa. An example of this mode is a radio station, where a signal is sent to the listener without allowing them to reply. Devices such as keyboards and monitors also function in this mode; The keyboard only sends input to the computer, while the monitor only displays the output.

Half-Duplex Mode

In half-duplex mode, communication can take place in two directions, but not simultaneously. One device can send and receive data, but only one direction is active at a time. An example of this mode is a walkie-talkie, where one person talks while the other listens, then they take turns talking. Although both devices can communicate, there is a time lag when one device has to wait before it can send data again.

Full-Duplex Mode

In full-duplex mode, communication occurs in both directions simultaneously. Both devices can send and receive data at the same time without interruption. The most common example of this mode is telephone communication, where both parties can talk and listen at the same time. This mode provides the highest communication speed as it utilizes the entire bandwidth of the channel for data transmission.

Ethernet Architecture

Ethernet is the most widely used networking technology for connecting devices in a local area network (LAN). Introduced in the 1970s, Ethernet offers an efficient and affordable solution for data communication. Its popularity is due to several factors, including ease of installation, low cost, as well as the ability to support high data transfer speeds. Ethernet is also flexible, it can use different types of cables, such as twisted pair and fiber optic, which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from homes to large enterprises.

Types of Ethernet

Several types of Ethernet are designed to meet different speed and application needs:

• Fast EthernetFast Ethernet, known as 100BASE-TX, offers data transfer speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). This is a significant improvement over the original Ethernet standard that operated at 10 Mbps. Fast Ethernet uses twisted pair cables and is designed for compatibility with older devices. It is widely used in small to medium-sized local networks.
• Gigabit EthernetGigabit Ethernet, or 1000BASE-T, provides data transfer speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), which is ten times faster than Fast Ethernet. Although originally designed to use fiber optic cables, now Gigabit Ethernet can also work with twisted pair cables. This technology is ideal for applications that require high bandwidth, such as video streaming and large file transfers.

Comparison of Speed and Usage

Fast Ethernet is suitable for networks that do not require very high speeds, while Gigabit Ethernet is the first choice in environments that require maximum performance and efficiency in data management.