Errors and error control

In this paper the nature of errors on telephone data communications channels and the basic techniques for dealing with these errors are discussed. Results of measurements recently taken on dialed connections are reviewed, and it is observed that conventional random-error- or burst-error-correcting codes cannot assure reliable communication on these channels. More generally, it is shown qualitatively that automatic-repeat-request (ARQ) systems are inherently better suited to the task than forward-error-control (FEC) systems. The throughput, or effective data rate, of ARQ systems is discussed, and two basic types of ARQ systems, stop-and-wait and continuous, are compared. It is concluded that with the more common stop-and-wait system, the throughput is unsatisfactory in applications involving high transmission rates and/or long propagation delays. A brief summary of error-correcting codes suitable for use on telephone channels (when a return channel is not available for ARQ) is included. Finally, hybrid schemes where FEC systems are embedded within ARQ systems are briefly discussed.