What is an ARQ transmission system?

ARQ stands for Automatic Repeat reQuest. It is a highly effective error-correction method used in digital communications to ensure data integrity over a radio link. When an ARQ system receives a packet of data, it automatically checks the data for errors. If an error is detected, the receiving station sends a message back to the transmitting station requesting that the corrupted packet be sent again. This feedback loop continues until the data is received perfectly. Be careful not to confuse ARQ with the distractors. The "Q" in ARQ does not stand for "Q codes" (which are standard three-letter message abbreviations), nor does this system have anything to do with video formats or satellite encryption.