What Is Carrier Sense Multiple Access/with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)?

Carrier Sense Multiple Access/with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) is the best way to avoid collisions before they even happen. If you've ever been in a crowded room and tried to talk over the music, you know how frustrating it can be when two or more people try to speak simultaneously. You might nod or smile, but you'd never actually be able to hear what they're trying to say! That's precisely what happens when multiple computers try to transmit data at once—they collide with each other, and no one gets their message across. The Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) protocols used by networks using the 802.11 standard handle these collisions after they happen, which is why CSMA/CD is known as collision-based. It's like dealing with noise complaints after your neighbor has already turned up his stereo—by then, it's too late! If you use Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA), there are no collisions in the first place! That means no one has to deal with interruptions or any other kind of interference. It also means that everyone can speak freely without worrying about getting interrupted by someone else's conversation. CSMA/CA is a system of communication in which each device on the network is responsible for listening for collisions and informing other devices not to transmit. This is done by transmitting a signal before transmitting any accurate data, increasing the network traffic as it requires sending out a sign before transmitting any actual data. If you're trying to send a message, and the broadcast channel is busy, don't worry: you'll have to wait. It's a common problem that many people new to wireless communications face. If you understand how the wireless network works, you can avoid getting stuck in an endless loop of waiting for the channel to be free. The solution is simple: when there's no room on the broadcast channel, your node should hold off on sending its message briefly and try again later. This way, if another node has finished with its transmission and left room on the channel, there will be space for your message!