What is the difference between Serial and Parallel transmission of data?

Serial transmission is where bits are transmitted one at a time over a single channel, particularly used within USB devices. Parallel transmission is where bits are sent simultaneously over their own individual channel. For example, if we were dealing with 8 bit integers, each of the 8 bits in the integer would all be send at once over their own unique channel. This is generally only used for internal computer components since it is limited to very short distances, due to the potential for interference.

JL
Answered by Jay L. Computing tutor

20811 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the benefits of using thin clients.


When data is transmitted over long distances, latency can become an issue. Explain what latency is.


What are the main differences between different loops when it comes to coding ?


How does a HDD (Hard drive disk) work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning