Hardware handshaking is the process of communication between two connected devices or systems. It is accomplished by sending corresponding data signals over different wires, cables, or hardware elements to facilitate agreements on communication protocols, data transfer rates, debugging, syntax, and other communication-related issues.
Types of Handshaking Protocols
Different types of handshaking protocols enable different types of messaging or communication. For instance, handshaking can include specific signals to either welcome or reject an additional message between connected devices or systems.
IT professionals distinguish between hardware handshaking and software handshaking. Hardware handshaking is a more mechanical handshaking protocol, whereby the corresponding signals are typically transmitted over different physical channels, unlike software handshaking, where certain additional data sets are used in a data transmission stream.
Hardware vs. Software Handshaking
Software handshaking allows devices and systems to exchange data without the need for dedicated wires or channels. Instead, these signals are usually embedded within the data transmission. In contrast, hardware handshaking uses specific wires to send signals that confirm data transactions.
If handshaking is not used, the receiver must be able to read the received characters before the transmitter sends another. The receiver can buffer the received character and store it in a special memory location before reading it. This memory location is called the receiver buffer. Normally, it can hold only a single character. If it is not cleared before another character is received, any character that was previously in the buffer will be overwritten.
Conclusion
Hardware handshaking is an essential process of communication between two devices or systems. It helps to establish communication protocols, debug errors, confirm data transactions, and ensure uninterrupted data transfer. Different types of handshaking protocols are used for different messaging or communication needs, including hardware and software handshaking.
FAQ
What is hardware handshaking?
Hardware handshaking is the process of communication between two connected devices or systems using specific data signals over different wires, cables, or hardware elements.
What is the difference between hardware and software handshaking?
Hardware handshaking uses specific wires to send signals that confirm data transactions, whereas software handshaking allows data transactions with signals embedded within the data transmission.
Why is handshaking important?
Handshaking is important in establishing communication protocols, debugging errors, and ensuring uninterrupted data transfer between devices or systems.
What happens if handshaking is not used?
If handshaking is not used, the receiver must be able to read the received characters before the transmitter sends another. The receiver can buffer the received character and store it in a special memory location before reading it. If it is not cleared before another character is received, any character that was previously in the buffer will be overwritten.
