What Is a Buffer Device?
A buffer device is a type of temporary memory used in computer hardware to reduce data transfer time.buffer device The buffer is filled with data while transferring it and then emptied when the process that needs the data is ready to receive it. Buffers can be used for a variety of purposes, including reducing disk access time and speeding up network transmissions. They can also be used to implement Copy Semantics in software and provide a means to retransmit or repair data that is lost during transmission.
The original meaning of the word buffer refers to a cushion-like device that reduces shock from contact.buffer device A buffer is often located between devices that have different speeds for handling data and may be used when there is a difference in the timing of events. The buffer will hold data until the faster device is able to read it and then send it on its way.
A typical computer operating system uses buffers to store data temporarily before it is accessed by applications and processes.buffer device This increases performance by allowing I/O to be overlapped. Buffers are also used in systems that perform a large number of small tasks, like sorting data or performing calculations, in order to prevent the slowest process from causing the entire system to wait.
Input devices such as hard disks and network interface cards have a limited capacity to handle data at one rate while output devices such as printers, speakers, and screens have a limit on the amount of data they can transmit at one time.buffer device The buffer acts as a reservoir of sorts, filling up as data arrives and then emptying slowly so that the output device can keep pace with the input device.
The use of a buffer can also improve system reliability.buffer device By momentarily storing data in the buffer, it can be retransmitted or repaired if there is a error during transmission. This is especially useful for data that is transferred over networks where errors can be introduced due to network congestion, latency, and other factors.
Most computers have a limited amount of RAM available to process data. The buffer is a place to temporarily store data while transferring it to the final destination, which frees up more RAM for other tasks. Buffers can also help to reduce the number of times that data is transferred from an input device to the CPU, which can decrease CPU usage and overall system response time.
Another advantage of using a buffer is that it allows a program to avoid making multiple copies of the same data when reading and writing to or from the buffer. This can significantly reduce the overall execution time of a task.
A buffer can be made out of any type of memory, although the best choice is a fast one. Most computers use RAM as a buffer because it is faster than other storage media. A buffer can also be made out of a dedicated piece of memory, but this would require additional circuitry to access the memory.