A data transmission method in which each character sent is preceded by a start bit and followed by a stop bit. These framing bits tell the receiving device that the bits between them constitute a code for a character.

A form of communication by which applications can operate independently, so that they do not have to be running or available simultaneously. A process sends a request and may or may not wait for a response. It is a non-blocking communications style.

A communications system where the transmitter and receiver run independently. The beginning and end of the data packet are usually indicated by start and stop bits in the data stream.

A type of data transmission in which each character transmitted (8 bits) is framed by a start and stop bit. These two control bits delineate the beginning and end of a character. Though there is more flexibility with asynchronous transmission, it is much less efficient because the addition of the control bits increases the packet size by 25percent.

A method of transmitting data in which each transmitted character is sent separately.

A form of communication which allows applications to operate independently, so that they need not be running or available simultaneously. A process sends a request and may or may not wait for a response. This is a 'non-blocking' form of communications.

A method of transmission in which one character is sent one bit at a time; also referred to as serial transmission.

A way for one computer to send data to another, without requiring precisely synchronized data pulses. All data transmitted via a modem, or sent out of a computer's serial port, is asynchronous. Special codes are embedded in the stream of pulses so that the receiving computer can locate each byte of data.

The ability to simultaneously receive and transmit data. Close Glossary Window

Transmission method whereby bits are sent without synchronizing via a clock signal, but instead using start and stop bits to identity the beginning and ending of each block of data.

Data is transmitted intermittently rather than in a steady stream. For example, a telephone conversation is asynchronous because both parties can talk whenever they like.