Synchronous and Asynchronous Data Transmission

KS3 Computer Science

11-14 Years Old

48 modules covering EVERY Computer Science topic needed for KS3 level.

GCSE Computer Science

14-16 Years Old

45 modules covering EVERY Computer Science topic needed for GCSE level.

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16-18 Years Old

66 modules covering EVERY Computer Science topic needed for A-Level.

KS3 Data Representation (14-16 years)

  • An editable PowerPoint lesson presentation
  • Editable revision handouts
  • A glossary which covers the key terminologies of the module
  • Topic mindmaps for visualising the key concepts
  • Printable flashcards to help students engage active recall and confidence-based repetition
  • A quiz with accompanying answer key to test knowledge and understanding of the module

A-Level Exchanging Data Resources (16-18 years)

  • An editable PowerPoint lesson presentation
  • Editable revision handouts
  • A glossary which covers the key terminologies of the module
  • Topic mindmaps for visualising the key concepts
  • Printable flashcards to help students engage active recall and confidence-based repetition
  • A quiz with accompanying answer key to test knowledge and understanding of the module

Synchronous Data Transmission

In synchronous data transmission, data moves in a completely paired approach, in the form of chunks or frames.  The synchronisation between the source and target is required so that the source knows where the new byte begins since there are no spaces included between the data.

Synchronous transmission is effective, dependable, and often utilised for transmitting a large amount of data.  It offers real-time communication between linked devices.

An example of synchronous transmission would be the transfer of a large text file.  Before the file is transmitted, it is first dissected into blocks of sentences.  The blocks are then transferred over the communication link to the target location.

Because there are no beginning and end bits, the data transfer rate is quicker but there’s an increased possibility of errors occurring.  Over time, the clocks will get out of sync, and the target device would have the incorrect time, so some bytes could become damaged on account of lost bits.  To resolve this issue, it’s necessary to regularly re-synchronise the clocks, as well as to make use of check digits to ensure that the bytes are correctly received and translated.

Synchronous Data Transmission and Asynchronous Data Transmission

Characteristics of Synchronous Transmission

  • There are no spaces in between characters being sent.
  • Timing is provided by modems or other devices at the end of the transmission.
  • Special ’syn’ characters goes before the data being sent.
  • The syn characters are included between chunks of data for timing functions.

Examples of Synchronous Transmission

  • Chatrooms
  • Video conferencing
  • Telephonic conversations
  • Face-to-face interactions

Asynchronous Transmission

In asynchronous transmission, data moves in a half-paired approach, 1 byte or 1 character at a time.  It sends the data in a constant current of bytes.  The size of a character transmitted is 8 bits, with a parity bit added both at the beginning and at the end, making it a total of 10 bits.  It doesn’t need a clock for integration—rather, it utilises the parity bits to tell the receiver how to translate the data.

It is straightforward, quick, cost-effective, and doesn’t need 2-way communication to function.

Characteristics of Asynchronous Transmission

  • Each character is headed by a beginning bit and concluded with one or more end bits.
  • There may be gaps or spaces in between characters.

Examples of Asynchronous Transmission

  • Emails
  • Forums
  • Letters
  • Radios
  • Televisions

Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission

Point of ComparisonSynchronous TransmissionAsynchronous Transmission
DefinitionTransmits data in the form of chunks or framesTransmits 1 byte or character at a time
Speed of TransmissionQuickSlow
CostExpensiveCost-effective
Time IntervalConstantRandom
Gaps between the data?Does not existExist
ExamplesChat Rooms, Telephonic Conversations, Video ConferencingEmail, Forums, Letters

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Transmission

  1. In synchronous transmission data is transmitted in the form of chunks, while in asynchronous transmission data is transmitted one byte at a time.
  2. Synchronous transmission needs a clock signal between the source and target to let the target know of the new byte.  In comparison, with asynchronous transmission, a clock signal is not needed because of the parity bits that are attached to the data being transmitted, which serves as a start indicator of the new byte.
  3. The data transfer rate of synchronous transmission is faster since it transmits in chunks of data, compared to asynchronous transmission which transmits one byte at a time.
  4. Asynchronous transmission is straightforward and cost-effective, while synchronous transmission is complicated and relatively pricey.
  5. Synchronous transmission is systematic and necessitates lower overhead figures compared to asynchronous transmission.

 Both synchronous and asynchronous transmission have their benefits and limitations.  Asynchronous transmission is used for sending a small amount of data while the synchronous transmission is used for sending bulk amounts of data.  Thus, we can say that both synchronous and asynchronous transmission are essential for the overall process of data transmission.

Further Reading