The document discusses three modes of data transfer between the central processing unit (CPU) and input/output (I/O) devices: programmed I/O, interrupt-initiated I/O, and direct memory access (DMA). Programmed I/O requires the CPU to continuously monitor the I/O device for data readiness, slowing performance. Interrupt-initiated I/O allows the I/O device to generate interrupts when ready, pausing the CPU to service transfers. DMA bypasses the CPU by allowing direct memory access between I/O devices and memory, speeding large data transfers.