Unit 2 · Data transmission
2.1 Types and methods of data transmission
By the end of this section you should be able to
- 2.1.1 Explain why data is split into packets
- 2.1.2 Describe the structure of a packet
- 2.1.3 Describe packet switching
- 2.1.4 Describe serial, parallel, simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex transmission
- 2.1.5 Choose a suitable method for a scenario
- 2.1.6 Explain how USB transmits data, with benefits and drawbacks
Lessons
Key vocabulary
- Packet
- A small unit of data sent across a network.
- Packet header
- Part of a packet holding the destination address, packet number and originator's address.
- Payload
- The actual data being carried in a packet.
- Packet switching
- Data is split into packets that may take different routes and are reordered on arrival.
- Serial transmission
- Data is sent one bit at a time down a single wire.
- Parallel transmission
- Several bits are sent at the same time down several wires.
- Simplex
- Data travels in one direction only.
- Half-duplex
- Data travels in both directions, but only one direction at a time.
- Full-duplex
- Data travels in both directions at the same time.