Binary erasure channel

A binary erasure channel is a type of communication network that sends information in either 0s and 1s (like a computer does), or nothing at all (which is called an erasure). Imagine it like you being asked a yes/no question. You can respond "yes" (which is a 0), "no" (which is a 1), or you can choose to not answer (which is the erasure). The binary erasure channel is like the communication line that helps pass your response (yes, no or no answer) to the other person. Erasures happen when the communication line is slow or busy, so it is important to make sure that the important bits of information (the 0s and 1s) get sent quickly and correctly.