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Understanding Hamming Code for Error Detection and

Correction in Computer Networks

Name: Aakash Shaw


University Roll No.: 10900221001
Semester: 6th
Sec: A
Class Roll No.: 01
Subject: Computer Network
Title: Understanding Hamming Code for Error Detection and
Correction in Computer Networks

Introduction to Error Detection and Correction:


In the realm of computer networks, the seamless transmission of data faces a myriad of challenges.
From the subtle distortions caused by ambient noise to the sudden disruptions brought about by
hardware malfunctions, the integrity of transmitted data is constantly at risk. In light of these challenges,
error detection and correction techniques emerge as indispensable safeguards, ensuring the reliability of
data transmission.

One particularly renowned method in this domain is the Hamming Code. Distinguished by its capability
to not only detect but also rectify errors within transmitted data, the Hamming Code stands as a stalwart
guardian against the pitfalls of data corruption. Through a meticulous process of augmenting transmitted
data with redundant bits and employing sophisticated parity calculations, the Hamming Code provides a
robust mechanism to safeguard the integrity and reliability of data transmission in computer networks.

In the following pages, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of the Hamming Code method,
elucidating its workings through practical examples and exploring its significance in the landscape of
error detection and correction.
Explanation of Hamming Code:
The Hamming Code is a technique for error detection and correction that adds extra bits to the
transmitted data to detect and correct errors. These extra bits are calculated based on the positions of
the data bits, allowing the receiver to identify and correct errors that occur during transmission.

Example:
Let's consider an example where we want to transmit a 4-bit data word: 1011.

Step 1: Determine Parity Bits


- Determine the positions for parity bits by identifying powers of 2: 1, 2, 4, 8, etc.
- In our example, the positions for parity bits are: P1 (position 1), P2 (position 2), and P4 (position 4).

Step 2: Calculate Parity Bits


- Calculate the values of the parity bits based on the data bits.
- Parity bit P1 covers data bits at positions 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. Sum the values of these bits: P1 = (1 + 0 + 1) % 2
= 0.
- Parity bit P2 covers data bits at positions 2, 3, 6, 7, etc. Sum the values of these bits: P2 = (1 + 0 + 1) % 2
= 0.
- Parity bit P4 covers data bits at positions 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. Sum the values of these bits: P4 = (0 + 1 + 1) % 2
= 0.

The calculated parity bits are: P1 = 0, P2 = 0, P4 = 0.

Transmitting the Encoded Word:


Once the original data word "1011" has been augmented with the calculated parity bits according to the
Hamming Code method, the resulting encoded word is ready for transmission. In this process, the
original data bits are combined with the calculated parity bits to create a comprehensive encoded
sequence that encapsulates both the data and the error detection and correction capabilities.

Transmission Details:

- Original Data: 1 0 1 1
- Parity Bits: 0 0 1 0 1 1
- Encoded Word: 0 1 0 1 0 1 1

During transmission, the entire encoded word, consisting of both the original data bits and the
calculated parity bits, is sent across the network to the intended recipient. This transmission
encapsulates the necessary information for both the actual data and the mechanisms required to detect
and potentially correct errors that may occur during the transmission process.

The encoded word serves as a comprehensive representation of the original data, fortified with
redundancy and error detection capabilities afforded by the inclusion of parity bits. This approach
ensures that the transmitted data maintains its integrity and reliability, even in the face of potential
errors introduced during transmission. Thus, by employing the Hamming Code method, organizations
can enhance the robustness of their data transmission processes and mitigate the risks associated with
data corruption in computer networks.

Error Detection:
During the transmission of data, errors can occur due to various factors such as noise, interference, or
hardware issues. In such cases, it is imperative to detect these errors to ensure the integrity of the
transmitted data. The Hamming Code method provides a mechanism for error detection by employing
parity bits.
Example:

Let's consider the received data sequence: 0 1 0 0 0 1 1. We will now recalculate the parity bits based on
this received data to check for any discrepancies.

Recalculate Parity Bits:

- Parity bit P1 covers data bits at positions 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. Summing the values of these bits: P1 = (0 + 0 +
0) % 2 = 0.
- Parity bit P2 covers data bits at positions 2, 3, 6, 7, etc. Summing the values of these bits: P2 = (1 + 0 +
0) % 2 = 1.
- Parity bit P4 covers data bits at positions 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. Summing the values of these bits: P4 = (0 + 0 +
1) % 2 = 1.

Comparison with Received Parity Bits:

- P1 (0) matches with the received P1 (0).


- P2 (1) does not match with the received P2 (0).
- P4 (1) does not match with the received P4 (0).

In this comparison, discrepancies are observed between the recalculated parity bits and the received
parity bits. These discrepancies indicate that an error has occurred during the transmission process,
affecting the integrity of the received data.

Through the Hamming Code method, error detection becomes feasible by recalculating the parity bits
based on the received data and comparing them with the received parity bits. Any inconsistencies signify
the presence of errors in the transmitted data, prompting further action to rectify and ensure the
reliability of the data.

Error Correction:
Upon detecting errors in the received data using the Hamming Code method, the next crucial step is
error correction. The calculated parity bits provide valuable information to pinpoint and rectify the
erroneous bit, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the transmitted data.

In the Hamming Code method, the positions of the parity bits correspond to specific combinations of
data bits. By analyzing the parity bits, the receiver can infer the position of the erroneous bit within the
encoded word. Subsequently, the receiver can flip the erroneous bit to its correct value, thus correcting
the error and restoring the integrity of the data.

In the example provided earlier, we identified discrepancies between the recalculated parity bits and the
received parity bits, indicating the presence of an error in the transmitted data. By analyzing the
positions of the parity bits, specifically the positions associated with the incorrect parity bits, the
receiver can deduce the position of the erroneous bit within the encoded word.

Once the position of the erroneous bit is determined, the receiver can proceed to correct the error by
flipping the bit to its correct value. This correction process ensures that the received data aligns with the
original data, mitigating the impact of errors introduced during transmission.

Through the error correction capabilities afforded by the Hamming Code method, organizations can
enhance the reliability and accuracy of data transmission in computer networks. By promptly identifying
and rectifying errors, the Hamming Code method ensures that transmitted data maintains its integrity,
enabling organizations to uphold high standards of data quality and reliability.
Correction:
Since the error occurred in position 4, which is covered by P4, the receiver can correct the error
by flipping the bit at position 4.
Corrected Data: 0 1 0 1 0 1 1

Conclusion:
The Hamming Code method provides a robust mechanism for both error detection and
correction in transmitted data. By adding redundant bits and utilizing parity calculations,
Hamming Code ensures the integrity and reliability of data transmission in computer networks,
even in the presence of errors.

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