There are three transmission modes: simplex which allows transmission in one direction, half duplex which allows transmission in two directions but only one direction at a time, and full duplex which allows simultaneous two-way transmission. Simplex examples include television broadcasting and loudspeaker systems, half duplex includes walkie talkies, and full duplex includes telephone networks where two people can speak and listen simultaneously. Transmission modes define the direction of signal flow between communicating devices.