What defines 'half duplex' communication?

Half duplex communication is characterized by the ability to transmit signals in either direction; however, it can only send in one direction at a time. This means when one device is sending a signal, the other device must wait until that transmission is complete before it can respond or send its own signal. This is akin to a two-way street where traffic goes one way at a time, allowing for orderly communication without overlap.

In contrast, full duplex communication allows signals to be transmitted in both directions simultaneously, which facilitates more efficient conversation, much like a two-lane road where cars can go in both directions at the same time. Unidirectional communication is when signals are transmitted only one way, and non-communication indicates that no signals are transmitted at all. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone involved in networking or telecommunications, as it impacts the design and functionality of systems and protocols utilized in these domains.