Even parity
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.