What method is used to manage contention-based access on a wireless network?
The method used to manage contention-based access on a wireless network is called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA).
CSMA/CA is a protocol used in wireless networks to avoid collisions when multiple devices try to access the network at the same time.
In CSMA/CA, the wireless devices listen for the presence of ongoing transmissions on the network channel before transmitting data. If the channel is idle, the device starts transmitting. However, if the channel is busy, the device waits until it becomes idle to send its data.
To further avoid collisions, CSMA/CA incorporates the Clear to Send (CTS) and Request to Send (RTS) mechanisms. The RTS/CTS handshake is used to reserve the channel and inform other devices about a transmission, minimizing the chance of collision. The sender first sends an RTS frame, requesting permission to transmit. If the receiver is idle, it responds with a CTS frame, granting permission. Only after receiving the CTS frame, the sender starts transmitting.
CSMA/CA also utilizes a random backoff period to introduce some randomness in the contention process. When multiple devices sense an idle channel, they randomly select a backoff period before attempting to transmit. This randomness ensures that devices don’t repeatedly collide with each other.
Overall, CSMA/CA helps manage contention-based access on a wireless network by providing a mechanism to detect and avoid collisions, minimizing disruptions and maximizing network efficiency.
More Answers:
The Role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in the Data Link Layer of the OSI ModelUnderstanding the Services Provided by the Data Link Layer of the OSI Model: Framing and Error Control for Reliable Data Transmission
A Comprehensive Guide to the Tasks Performed by Routers After De-encapsulating Received Frames in Computer Networks