Definition
A half-duplex system is a communication network that can transmit information in both directions but not concurrently. In other words, it can only transmit or receive data.
Although half-duplex systems have their use cases, most modern technologies prefer full-duplex systems (which allow for simultaneous data sending and receiving) because of their communication efficiency.
Benefits of Half Duplex
- Low power consumption: Half-duplex systems use less power than full-duplex because data is not transmitted and received simultaneously, making them a more energy-efficient option in specific applications.
- Modest hardware design: Half-duplex devices usually include simpler and more cost-effective hardware. This is because they do not require additional components to simultaneously handle data transmission and reception.
- Resource efficiency: Half-duplex systems utilize the same data transmission and reception channel. This makes better use of limited resources such as frequencies or bandwidth than full-duplex systems, which require individual paths for transmitting and receiving data.
Half Duplex Applications
- Walkie-talkies: These devices employ half-duplex transmission, allowing a single individual to talk at a time while the other listens.
- Certain radio communication systems: Most radio networks utilize the same frequency for transmission and reception, so data cannot be transmitted and received simultaneously.
- Citizens Band (CB) radios: These radios work in half-duplex mode and are typically utilized by truck drivers.