Which type of connection is characterized by sending data one bit at a time?

A serial connection is characterized by sending data one bit at a time over a single channel. This method of data transmission is particularly efficient for long-distance communication because it requires less wiring and fewer resources compared to sending multiple bits simultaneously, as seen in parallel connections.

In a serial connection, data is transmitted in a sequential manner, where each bit is sent one after another. This can be advantageous in terms of reducing interference and complications that can occur with multiple wires carrying different signals, making serial connections easier to manage over longer distances. Examples of serial connections include those used in USB, RS-232, and even some network communications.

On the other hand, parallel connections send multiple bits simultaneously across multiple channels, which can lead to more complex wiring and potential issues with signal degradation over longer distances. Wireless connections refer to data transmission over radio waves without physical cables, which is inherently different from how serial connections function. Fiber optic connections utilize light to transmit data, and while they can transmit data at very high speeds, they typically do not define their operations based on the number of bits sent simultaneously like the distinction between serial and parallel connections does.