Serialized data is not generally sent at a uniform rate by a channel. Instead, there is usually a burst of regularly spaced binary data bits followed by a pause, after which the data flow resumes. Packets of binary data are sent in this manner, possibly with variable-length pauses among packets, until the message has been fully transferred. In order for the receiving end to know the proper moment to read individual binary bits from the channel, it must know exactly when a packet starts and how much time elapses among bits. When this timing information is known, the receiver is said to be synchronized with the transmitter, and accurate data transfer becomes possible. Failure to remain synchronized all over a transmission will cause data to be corrupted or lost.