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Writer's pictureNileesha Dilshan

CSMA/CA vs CSMA/CD

Updated: Jan 12, 2023


Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)


The method Carrier Sense Multiple Access which is abbreviated as CSMA was created to reduce the risk of collisions between two or more stations when they start transmitting signals across the data link layer.


 

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The network protocol for sending carriers is Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection also known as CSMA/CD. It works at the Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer which is a sublayer of the Data Link Layer in the OSI model. It can detect that the shared channel is in use for broadcasting and stops the broadcast until the channel becomes available. The collisions in the CSMA/CD are identified via broadcasts detected from other stations. The transmission is halted and a jam signal is transmitted by the stations when a collision is detected. Then the station waits for a certain time before retransmission.


Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)


This is also a network protocol for carrier transmission. Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance is abbreviated as CSMA/CA. As in CSMA/CD, this is also working in the Medium Access Control Layer. This protocol is effective before a collision.


Difference between CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA


CSMA/CD

CSMA/CA

Used in wired networks

Commonly used in wireless networks

Retransmits the frame of data if a collision occurs

Transmit the intention to send data transfer initially.

Effective after a collision

Effective before a collision happen

It reduces the recovery time only

Reduce the chance of happening a collision

The Efficiency of CSMA/CD is greater than CSMA

The Efficiency of CSMA/CA is similar to CSMA

It is used in 802.3 standard

It is used in 802.11 standard

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