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What is CTS/RTS flow control?
CTS/RTS flow control, also known as Clear To Send/Request To Send flow control, is a control method used in data communication to adjust the data transfer rate between the sending and receiving sides. It is commonly used in serial communication protocols to avoid data overflow or congestion.
Background
When data is transmitted from a sender to a receiver, there can be a mismatch in the data transmission rates between the two sides. This can lead to a situation where the receiving side is unable to handle the data at the same rate at which it is being sent. As a result, data can be lost or corrupted, leading to communication errors.
CTS/RTS flow control provides a solution to this problem by allowing the receiver to inform the sender about its readiness to receive data. This helps in regulating the flow of data and avoiding data loss.
How CTS/RTS flow control works
When CTS/RTS flow control is used, the receiving side sends a Request To Send (RTS) signal to the sender, indicating its readiness to receive data. Upon receiving the RTS signal, the sending side responds with a Clear To Send (CTS) signal, indicating its readiness to send the data.
The RTS and CTS signals are typically exchanged using control lines in the communication interface. These control lines are separate from the data lines and are dedicated to flow control purposes.
When the receiving side sends an RTS signal, it implies that its buffer has enough space to accommodate and process the incoming data. The sender, upon receiving the RTS signal, can then start transmitting the data. The sending side continues transmitting data until either the buffer of the receiver is full or the sender receives a CTS signal from the receiver.
When the sender receives the CTS signal from the receiver, it indicates that the receiver is ready to accept more data. The sender can then resume transmitting data until the buffer is full again or another CTS signal is received.
Benefits of CTS/RTS flow control
CTS/RTS flow control offers several benefits in data communication:
1. Prevention of data loss and corruption: By coordinating the data transfer rate between the sender and receiver, CTS/RTS flow control helps prevent data overflow and congestion, reducing the risk of data loss and corruption.
2. Efficient data transfer: Flow control ensures that data is transmitted at an optimal rate, maximizing the efficiency of the communication system.
3. Compatibility with slower receivers: CTS/RTS flow control allows for the integration of slower receivers into a system and ensures that they can handle the data transfers without overload.
4. Flexibility in data transmission: The use of flow control provides flexibility in data transmission, allowing the sender to adjust the rate of data transfer based on the receiver’s capabilities.
In conclusion, CTS/RTS flow control is a control method that helps regulate the data transfer rate between the sender and receiver in a communication system. By coordinating the flow of data, it ensures efficient and reliable data transmission, minimizing the risk of overload and data loss.
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