Re: [tlug] Cable modem, which mode ?

[Jim Breen <jwb@example.com>]

[Mario Luoni (Re: [tlug] Cable modem, which mode ?) writes:]
>> could somebody explain to me what the significance is of the notions
>> "half-duplex" and "full duplex" in a connectionless environment.

The notions of "half-duplex" and "full duplex" are only of relevance
in a communication channel. However the channel could indeed be an
association of two endpoints a larger network.

"full duplex" means both connections can be sending data
simultaneously. "half-duplex" means either can send, but not at the same
time (in some channels, e.g. the V.29 modem connection used by faxes,
the line must be "turned around".)

Issues of connectionless and connection-oriented really have nothing to
do with whether a channel, real or virtual, is full or half-duplex.

The third of the terrible trio is "simplex", which means a one-way
channel. Many full-duplex channels are actually a pair of simplex
channels in opposite directions.

Here endeth the lesson.

Jim

-- 
Jim Breen  [j.breen@example.com  http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/]
Computer Science & Software Engineering,                Tel: +61 3 9905 3298
P.O Box 26, Monash University,                          Fax: +61 3 9905 5146
Clayton VIC 3800, Australia      ジム・ブリーン@モナシュ大学