A lot of networking equipment will refer to its data pipe connections as full-duplex or half-duplex.
This term often isnt explained, however, as it is assumed that people will know what it means.
A duplex communication system is a system where two or more users can communicate in both directions.
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Full-duplex
In a full-duplex system, both parties can communicate simultaneously.
Both devices can send and receive data to and from each other at the same time.
A walkie-talkie defaults to being able to receive messages.
When the push to talk button is released the gadget switches back into receiving mode.
Other half-duplex devices operate in a similar manner, defaulting to receiving and only transmitting when they need to.
Tip: Devices that dont require any form of duplex communication are referred to as simplex.
In simplex systems, a gear is either a transmitter or a receiver.
Radio and TV are good examples of simplex technology.
Half-duplex systems are generally more simplistic in some ways.
For example, only a single wire or radio-frequency is required for half-duplex communication channels.
To prevent collisions, a collision-avoidance system, collision-detection system, or both need to be implemented.
This random pause is designed to avoid both devices attempting to re-transmit at the same time and colliding again.
If the connection is in use, it pauses for a random time before checking again.
