Half Duplex vs. Full Duplex Systems

Half Duplex Communication

Half duplex. What does this mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, half duplex is “a mode of communication especially with a computer via telephone line in which information can be sent in only one direction at a time” (Merriam-Webster.com, n.d.). Applied to communication systems on industrial worksites, half duplex systems mean that individuals must speak one at a time. You can imagine that this can become frustrating if somebody is waiting to relay an important message, but the other person on the line is still talking. Alternatively, the person speaking could be stating something incorrect and the listener would be obligated to wait to correct them. Thus, productivity can take a hit when workers are constrained to half duplex.

Half Duplex’s Issues

Since half duplex communication systems do not permit interruptions, the safety of workers is jeopardized. If a worker has urgent information to communicate to their colleague that is talking, they will have to wait until their teammate is done transmitting until they are able to speak. An example could be that they needed to warn them about a forklift getting too close to them, or a tree was unexpectedly falling in their vicinity. Time is paramount when one’s safety is threatened, and half duplex increases the amount of time it should take to warn somebody.

Full Duplex and Why It’s Better

Full duplex communication systems are like a phone call; two people can talk simultaneously and they’re able to hear what the other is saying. This makes communication more efficient and much easier, since you’re not required to take turns speaking. Full duplex communication allows for interruptions, while half duplex does not. This makes full duplex safer than half duplex.

Most two-way radios are still limited to half duplex communication, which is an outdated and unproductive way of communicating with your team. The picoLink offers full-duplex communication to provide seamless interactions between your whole team, resembling a fluid conversation. Don’t limit yourself to out-of-date communication solutions; broaden your team’s potential with the picoLink.

• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Half duplex. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary.
  Retrieved July 28, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20duplex