What does half-duplex transmission allow in data communication?

Half-duplex transmission allows data to travel in one direction only at a time. This means that while one device is sending data, the other device must wait until the transmission is complete before it can send its own data back. This mode of communication is effective in scenarios where the bandwidth is limited and simultaneous communication is not necessary.

In practical applications, half-duplex systems can be found in walkie-talkies or two-way radios, where one user speaks while the other listens and they take turns to communicate. This method contrasts with full-duplex communication, where data can flow in both directions at the same time, allowing for more efficient and faster communication.