In communication terms, what is a half duplex network?

A half duplex network is characterized by the ability to send and receive data, but not at the same time. This means that communication can happen either in one direction or the other, but not simultaneously. Think of it like a walkie-talkie; one person talks while the other listens, and when the first person is done speaking, they must wait for the other to respond before the roles can reverse.

In contrast, a full duplex network allows for simultaneous two-way communication, like a telephone call where both parties can talk and listen at the same time. The first choice mentions sending and receiving information simultaneously, which pertains to full duplex. The third choice describes a network where multiple devices transmit data at once, which implies a different type of network configuration that is not limited by the half duplex principle. The final option suggests that a central hub is required for data transmission, which is not a defining characteristic of half duplex communication; rather, it only pertains to certain network topologies. So, understanding the nature of half duplex is crucial, as it plays a significant role in determining how devices will interact with one another in various networking scenarios.