Error control

Abstract

Error bits are added to data to either correct or detect transmission errors. Normally, the more bits that are added the better the detection or correction. Error detection allows the receiver to determine if there has been a transmission error. It cannot rebuild the correct data and must either request a retransmission or discard the data. With error correction the receiver detects an error and tries to correct as many error bits as possible. Again, the more error coding bits used the more bits can be corrected. An error correction code is normally used when the receiver cannot request a retransmission.