What is full-duplex mode in Ethernet?

Full-duplex mode in Ethernet refers to a communication method where data can flow in both directions simultaneously. This means that devices such as computers or switches can send and receive information at the same time without any interference or need to wait. This capability is especially important in network environments where high-speed data transfer is required, as it effectively doubles the potential bandwidth available for communication.

Participating devices in full-duplex mode use separate channels for transmission and reception, allowing for a more efficient exchange of data. This contrasts with half-duplex mode, where communication is limited to one direction at a time, leading to potential delays if one device needs to wait for the other to finish transmitting before it can send its data. Full-duplex mode enhances network performance by minimizing such delays and maximizing throughput, which is critical for applications that rely on real-time data exchange.