Investigate various error detection techniques such as parity checking, checksums, and cyclic redundancy checks (CRC)

Sure, here is a brief explanation of the various error detection techniques:

1. Parity Checking: This is the simplest form of error detection method. In this method, a redundant bit called a parity bit is added to every data unit so that the total number of 1s is even (for even parity) or odd (for odd parity). If the count of 1s in a given set of bits is already even and the parity is even, there is no need to add a parity bit. But if the count of 1s is odd, an additional 1 bit is added to make it even. The same logic applies for odd parity.

2. Checksums: The checksum method involves the sender calculating a value based on the data and sending this value along with the data. The receiver then performs the same calculation on the data and checks if the calculated value matches the value sent by the sender. If the values match, the data is assumed to be error-free. If not, the data is assumed to be corrupted.

3. Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC): CRC is a more powerful but complex error detection technique. In CRC, a sequence of redundant bits, called a CRC remainder, is appended to the end of data unit so that the resulting data unit becomes exactly divisible by a second, predetermined binary number. At its destination, the incoming data unit is divided by the same number. If at this step there is no remainder, the data unit is assumed to be intact and is therefore accepted. A remainder indicates that the data unit has been damaged in transit and therefore must be rejected.

Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages. Parity checking is simple and fast but can only detect an odd number of bit errors. Checksums can detect more errors than parity checking but are slower and more complex. CRC is the most powerful but also the most complex.