CSMA is an acronym for carrier sense multiple access. CD, in this context, stands for collision detection. In LAN or local area networks, this is a method used by network protocols to control a computer’s access to the network and the communication channels in it. For multiple computers in the same network, the ‘CD’ part of the acronym helps decide the order in which the machines get their turn on the network.
Technipages Explains CSMA/CD
CSMA/CD is used by systems like AppleTalk or Ethernet in order to restrict or permit a machine access to a network. Within a network, each component is called a node – there are usually several of them, for example, one for each device connected – and has access to the communication channel that is the network. Now, only one device can access the network at the exact same time, which means that an order needs to be decided. That’s where the CSMA/CD protocol assigns each node a random number, in order to decide which computer gets to access the network first.
While this system works great in small- or medium-sized network environments (that is to say, home networks, for example), it’s not as great a solution in networks with more than around three dozen nodes. For networks of that size, different access restriction methods are used. There are several options including polling and token passing, depending on how much usage a network experiences, and how many devices regularly access it. These access restriction methods help funnel traffic and prevent overloading the system, which could cause it to lock up, meaning that nobody can connect to it at all.
Common Uses of CSMA/CD
- CSMA/CD is an a network access restriction protocol capable of ordering computers to assign them network usage privileges.
- While other protocols are better for large systems, CSMA/CD works well on small or home networks.
- Due to the importance of nodes (machines in a network), CSMA/CD assigns each a unique and random number.
Common Misuses of CSMA/CD
- CSMA/CD is a technique used to burn content onto a CD.