In terms of data transmission, what does "full duplex" refer to?

Full duplex refers to a communication system that allows data to be transmitted and received simultaneously. This means that both parties can send and receive information at the same time without any waiting period or interruption. This capability is essential for improving efficiency and speed in communication systems, such as telephone conversations or certain types of computer networks, where both the sender and receiver need to interact seamlessly.

In contrast, one-way data transmission is characterized by sending data in only one direction, which limits interaction and feedback. Intermittent data transmission implies that data is sent and received in bursts rather than continuously, disrupting the flow of communication. Lastly, requiring manual send and receive suggests a mechanism that is not automated, resulting in slower data exchanges compared to systems that operate in full duplex. Therefore, the best characterization of full duplex is its ability to facilitate simultaneous transmission and reception of data.