Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) is a network protocol used to control how devices communicate over shared communication channels. Before sending data, a device listens to the channel to check if it’s free—like checking if a road is clear before crossing. If the channel is busy, the device waits; if it's free, it sends its data. This method helps prevent collisions where multiple devices try to transmit at once, ensuring more efficient communication within the network. CSMA is commonly used in Ethernet networks and wireless communications to coordinate access to the medium.