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What Is a Transmission Block?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A "transmission block" is a term used to describe a specific group of characters that are transmitted as a single unit or block as part of a communication process within a computer system. The term is also sometimes used to identify sets of records that are processed as part of a single unit or block of information. This approach to sending and processing data normally involves configuring the information so that the system can readily identify when the group of characters or bits is complete by designating what is known as an end transmission block character.

The use of a transmission block as a means of processing and sending data is very helpful in terms of making sure that the records or characters involved in the transmission are not compromised in some manner. Essentially, the process of creating this unit of transmission by including specific blocks of characters or records and configuring the information so that a system can determine when the data is complete makes it easier to monitor the progress of the transmission and determine when the transmission is successfully completed. As part of the error-preventing aspects of the transmission block approach, systems may not cease transmitting data when some factor interferes with the process or the recognition of the end of transmission character, quickly aborting the transmission until it can be determined exactly what is causing the problem.

Woman doing a handstand with a computer
Woman doing a handstand with a computer

The concept of the transmission block can be used in just about any type of computer-generated communications. Within the scope of telecommunications, the transmission of units or blocks of bits in an organized manner makes it possible to utilize online methods to transfer voice and video with relative ease. With other types of electronic tasks, records are grouped and processed as blocks, making the transfer of data much easier to manage in terms of actual execution and time. The end result is the ability to enjoy faster communications that to the end user appear to be almost real time.

Thanks to the aid of the transmission block approach, businesses that rely heavily on telecommunications and computer technology to process information throughout the company structure can do so with very little in the way of delays, while also protecting the data from possible errors or corruption. This can be especially important when the transfer of those blocks of data is crucial to some type of revenue generation project that is extremely time-sensitive. Without the ability to make use of this type of secure and quick transmission, the ability to move quickly and take advantage of these types of opportunities would be reduced.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Woman doing a handstand with a computer
      Woman doing a handstand with a computer