Term of the Moment
Big Mother
Definition: half-duplex
The transmission of data in both directions, but only one direction at a time. For example, two-way radio (push-to-talk phone) uses half-duplex communications. When one party speaks, the other party listens. Contrast with full-duplex.
Are Cellphones Half-Duplex?
Not really, but they often sound as if they are, especially if the speakerphone is used and both parties speak at the same time. The cellular system generally uses separate transmit and receive channels for a two-way conversation. However, the GSM system switches back and forth between transmit and receive, and it often does not sound like a full-duplex system. No digital cellular system is quite like the good old analog days when each phone call had two dedicated channels for the entire session. See push-to-talk and GSM.
Are Cellphones Half-Duplex?
Not really, but they often sound as if they are, especially if the speakerphone is used and both parties speak at the same time. The cellular system generally uses separate transmit and receive channels for a two-way conversation. However, the GSM system switches back and forth between transmit and receive, and it often does not sound like a full-duplex system. No digital cellular system is quite like the good old analog days when each phone call had two dedicated channels for the entire session. See push-to-talk and GSM.