If the LAN is connected using coax (BNC connectors), then the traffic going
each way could collide. However, in 10baseT, we are using twisted pairs.
There are four pairs (8 wires) in the cable. Of those, two pairs are used.
One to send data and one to receive. There is no collision possible when
only two computers are connected. If the network card can handle the two-way
traffic simultaneously, the full speed in both directions should be
achieved.

Why do we have 8 wires if we use only 4? Probably the same reason that a
telephone cord has 4 wires of which only 2 are used! :)

Peter Shkabara
____________________________
Computer Science Instructor
Columbia College - Sonora, CA
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
http://pesh.what.cc

-----Original Message-----
> Now computer B wants to read the contents of a large file on A...
> Can A send B the data while B is sending the print data
> at the same time?   (Full Duplex)?
     On a network, rarely is something sent continuously such that no other
system will be able to get in a packet, so even if you were only half duplex
the print job would still wedge it's way in. Full duplex of course wouldn't
have to worry. Quite frankly, full duplex is a great idea that has rarely
ever worked well. On a two node system it may help from time to time, but on

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