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Xon/Xoff (X-on/X-off or XON/XOFF)

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Xon/Xoff (sometimes written "X-on/X-off" or "XON/XOFF" and pronounced eks-AWN eks-AWF ) is a protocol for controlling the flow of data between computers and other device s on an asynchronous serial connection. For example, a computer typically sends data to a printer faster than the printer can print. The printer contains a buffer where data is stored until the printer catches up with the computer. If the buffer becomes full before the printer catches up, a small microprocessor in the printer sends back an X/off signal to stop sending data. When enough data is printed and buffer storage becomes free, the printer sends an X/on signal telling the computer to resume sending data.

The "X" stands for "transmitter" so the X/on and X/off are signals to turn a transmitter on or off. The actual signal for X/on is the same bit configuration as the ASCII Ctrl-Q keyboard combination. The X/off signal is the Ctrl-S character.

When you define your modem to your computer's operating system, you may need to specify the use of flow control with X/on/Xoff or with CTS/RTS (Clear to Send/Ready to Send). When sending binary data, Xon/Xoff may not be recognized because it is character-encoded.

This was last updated in March 2011
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