Diagram of serial and parallel transmission

The data transmitter and receiver both operate using a synchronized clock frequency; therefore, start bits, stop bits, and gaps are not used. This means that data moves faster and timing errors are less frequent because the transmitter and receiver time is synced. However, data accuracy is highly dependent on timing being synced correctly between devices. In comparison with asynchronous serial transmission, this method is usually more expensive. Serial transmission is normally used for long-distance data transfer.

It is also used in cases where the amount of data being sent is relatively small. It ensures that data integrity is maintained as it transmits the data bits in a specific order, one after another. In this way, data bits are received in-sync with one another. When data is sent using parallel data transmission , multiple data bits are transmitted over multiple channels at the same time. This means that data can be sent much faster than using serial transmission methods.

Given that multiple bits are sent over multiple channels at the same time, the order in which a bit string is received can depend on various conditions, such as proximity to the data source, user location, and bandwidth availability. Two examples of parallel interfaces can be seen below. In the first parallel interface, the data is sent and received in the correct order. In the second parallel interface, the data is sent in the correct order, but some bits were received faster than others.

The main advantages of parallel transmission over serial transmission are: it is easier to program; and data is sent faster. Although parallel transmission can transfer data faster, it requires more transmission channels than serial transmission.

So it is clear that utilizing multiple lines for data transmission in case of parallel communication is advantageous as it offers faster data transmission.

But as the same time it is disadvantageous when considered in case of cost and transmission distance. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content The crucial difference between serial and parallel communication is that in serial communication a single communication link is used to transfer the data from an end to another.

Key Differences Between Serial and Parallel Communication Due to the presence of single communication link the speed of data transmission is slow.

While multiple links in case of parallel communication allows data transmission at comparatively faster rate. Whenever there exists a need for system up-gradation then upgrading a system that uses serial communication is quite an easy task as compared to upgrading a parallel communication system. In serial communication, the all data bits are transmitted over a common channel thus proper spacing is required to be maintained in order to avoid interference.

While in parallel communication, the utilization of multiple link reduces the chances of interference between the transmitted bits. Serial communication supports higher bandwidth while parallel communication supports comparatively lower bandwidth. The printer is linked to the parallel port of the computer and a parallel cable that has multiple wires can link the printer to the computer.

It is a very fast data transmission mode. Transmission of n communication lines is required to transmit the data stream and for this n number of wires must be required. What is Parallel Transmission in Computer Network? Previous Page Print Page.