Glossary of Data Communications Terms

Courtesy Enterprise-Wide Computing, Inc.

Term: XON/XOFF
Definition: In communications, a simple asynchronous protocol that keeps the receiving device in synchronization with the sending device. When the buffer in the receiving device if full, it sends and xoff signal (transmit off) to the sending device, telling it to stop transmitting. When the receiving device is ready to accept more, it sends the sending device an xon signal (transmit on) to start again. A means of software flow control. See also, flow control. Contrast with CTS/RTS.

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Last Modified:
Wednesday, April 22, 1998