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Even parity

Even parity definition

An even parity refers to an error detection method where an extra bit, or a parity bit, is added to each data unit. In even parity, the total value of the 1s in a data unit is always an even number.

Benefits of even parity checking

  • Efficiency. Even parity checks do not require significant computational resources.
  • Easy. Even parity checks are easy to implement.
  • Cheap. Due to their simplicity, even parity checks are cheap to maintain.
  • Accuracy. Since communication is checked continuously, even parity checks prevent inaccurate communication.
  • Security boost. Even parity checks can improve your security and ensure confidentiality.
  • Additional measures. Even parity checks can be used in accordance with other error detection methods such as a cyclic redundancy check or forward error correction.

Drawbacks of an even parity check

  • Detection limitations. If the parity number stays unchanged, an even parity check would not detect the error.
  • No detection. An even parity check can recognize an error but cannot indicate where it is.
  • False positives. Even parity checks can produce false positive results.
  • Low-level security. A malicious program that keeps the parity bit the same can be used to bypass even parity checks.

See also: Parity checks, odd parity checks.