Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission

Data transmission is crucial as it enables communication and information sharing, which is essential for many aspects of modern society. Data transmission can be of two types – Synchronous and Asynchronous. But are you aware of the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission?

The main difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission is that synchronous transmission is a method of transmitting data where the sender and receiver are synchronized, and data is sent in a steady stream. In contrast, asynchronous transmission is a method of transmitting data where the sender and receiver are not synchronized, and data is sent in small packets with a gap between them.

You can also explore: Types of Transmission Media In Computer Network

This article will greatly explore the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission. But before we begin exploring the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission in detail, let’s quickly go over the topics we will cover in this article.

Table of Contents (TOC)

• Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission
• What is a Synchronous Transmission?
• What is an Asynchronous Transmission?
• Key Differences Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission
• Conclusion

Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission 

For a better understanding, let’s explore the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission in a tabular format. Here’s the table:

Benchmark	Synchronous Transmission	Asynchronous Transmission
What is it?	A transmission method where the sender and receiver are synchronized, and data is sent in a steady stream.	A transmission method where the sender and receiver are not synchronized, and data is sent in small packets with a gap between them.
Duplex type	Full-duplex	Half-duplex
Data is sent in the form of	Blocks or frames	Bytes or characters
Speed	The transmission of data happens at a fast speed in comparison to asynchronous transmission.	The transmission of data happens at a slower speed in comparison to synchronous transmission.
Cost	The cost of synchronous data transmission is costly compared to asynchronous transmission.	The cost of asynchronous data transmission is low compared to synchronous transmission.
The time interval of transmission of data is	Constant	Random
Wait for response	The users must wait until the transmission is complete before getting a response from the server.	The users do not have to wait until the transmission is complete before getting a response from the server.
The start and stop bits are used?	Yes	No
Is there a need for precisely synchronized clocks?	Yes. This type of transmission needs precisely synchronized clocks for the information of new bytes.	No. This type of transmission does not need precisely synchronized clocks for the information of new bytes.

You can also explore: Difference Between SSL and TLS

What is a Synchronous Transmission? 

Synchronous Transmission Definition: Synchronous transmission is a method of transmitting data where the sender and receiver are synchronized, and data is sent in a steady stream.

Synchronous transmission example:

In order to understand what a synchronous transmission is, let’s go through an example. Suppose two people, Atul and Anshuman, are having a conversation. At present, Atul is talking about the organization’s future plans, and Anshuman is listening to the information Atul gives. Both of them are in sync. They take turns speaking and listening.

You can also explore: What Is a Network Component?

This is similar to how synchronous transmission works. In synchronous transmission, data is sent at a steady rate, and there is a constant flow of information between the sender (Atul) and receiver (Anshuman). Synchronous transmission is an effective and dependable method of sending large amounts of data. This transmission type is widely used in chat rooms, telephonic conversations, video conferencing, etc.

What is Asynchronous Transmission? 

Asynchronous Transmission Definition: Asynchronous transmission is a method of transmitting data where the sender and receiver are not synchronized, and data is sent in small packets with a gap between them.

Asynchronous transmission example:

In order to understand what an asynchronous transmission is, let’s go through an example. Suppose Atul sends a mail asking for the quarterly goals from Anshuman. The receiver, which in this case, Anshuman, receives the letter after a certain period, and the sender (Atul) doesn’t know the exact time when the letter will be received. This is similar to how data is sent in small packets with a gap between them in asynchronous transmission.

You can also explore: Difference Between Hub And Switch

Key Differences Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Transmission 

Here are the key differences between synchronous and asynchronous transmission:

• Start and stop bits are used in synchronous transmission, but in synchronous transmission, start and stop bits are not used.
• Synchronous transmission is the full-duplex type of transmission. But, asynchronous transmission is the half-duplex type of transmission.
• In synchronous transmission, data is sent in a steady stream. The asynchronous transmission sends data in small packets with a gap between them.
• The cost of synchronous transmission of data is costly. But, the cost of asynchronous data transmission is low compared to synchronous transmission.
• Data is sent in the form of blocks or frames in synchronous transmission. Whereas in asynchronous transmission, data is sent in the form of bytes or characters.
• In synchronous transmission, the transmission of data happens at a fast speed. Whereas in asynchronous transmission, data transmission happens at a slower speed compared to synchronous transmission.
• Synchronous transmission is a method of transmitting data where the sender and receiver are synchronized. In contrast, asynchronous transmission transmits data where the sender and receiver are not synchronized.

You can also explore: Types Of Computer Networks

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed what synchronous and asynchronous transmissions are, along with their respective examples. We have also discussed the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission in detail. If you have any queries related to the topic, please feel free to send your query to us in the form of a comment. We will be happy to help.

Happy Learning!!