Multiple Access Protocols

Multiple access protocols are rules that let multiple devices share a common communication channel, such as a Wi-Fi network or a wired connection. They ensure devices take turns or coordinate their transmissions to prevent collisions—when signals interfere with each other. Different protocols, like Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), assign specific time slots; Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) listen before transmitting. These methods optimize network efficiency and fairness, enabling smooth data exchange among many users within the same medium.