Multiple choice

Why are serial connections preferred over parallel connections for long transmission lengths?

  1. Parallel connections do not support error checking.

  2. Parallel connections are subject to excessive attenuation.

  3. Parallel connections are subject to clock skew and to crosstalk between wires.

  4. Parallel connections transmit over only two wires and therefore transmit data more slowly.
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C Correct answer
Explanation

Parallel connections transmit data simultaneously over multiple wires, but over long distances, the signals experience timing differences (clock skew) and electromagnetic interference (crosstalk) between adjacent wires. These problems cause data corruption and limit the usable length of parallel cables. Serial connections, using fewer wires (like in RS-232 or USB), don't suffer from crosstalk between data bits and can use differential signaling over longer distances with less signal degradation.

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