Table of contents
1.
Introduction 
2.
What is CSMA/CD?
3.
How Does CSMA CD Work?
3.1.
Algorithm of CSMA/CD
3.2.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CSMA CD
3.2.1.
Advantages of CSMA CD
3.2.2.
Disadvantages of CSMA CD
4.
What is CSMA/CA?
5.
How Does CSMA CA Work?
5.1.
Algorithm of CSMA/CA
5.2.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CSMA CA
5.2.1.
Advantages of CSMA CA
5.2.2.
Disadvantages of CSMA CA
6.
Difference between CSMA CA and CSMA CD
7.
Frequently Asked Questions
7.1.
What is the difference between collision avoidance and collision detection?
7.2.
Does Ethernet use CSMA/CD or CSMA/CA?
7.3.
Why is CSMA/CD not used in wireless?
7.4.
Who uses CSMA/CA?
8.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025
Medium

Difference between CSMA/CA and CSMA/CD

Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction 

CSMA stands for Carrier Sense Multiple Access. A Media Access Protocol that uses carrier-sense multiple access (MAC). A node must confirm whether or not there is any traffic on the shared transmission channel in this case. Even though they are relatively similar phrases, they are a few significant distinctions when examined attentively.

CSMA CD vs CSMA CA

There are two forms of CSMA

  1. Collision Avoidance
  2. Collision Detection

In this article, we will discuss CSMA with Collision Avoidance and CSMA with Collision Detection and discuss the differences between CSMA CD and CSMA CA.

What is CSMA/CD?

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is a network protocol that operates on the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer for carrier transfer. It detects or listens to see if the shared transmission channel is busy or not, and defers transmissions until the channel is free. Collisions are detected using collision detection technology, which detects broadcasts from other stations. When a collision is detected, the station pauses transmitting, broadcasts a jam signal, and then waits a random time period before retransmitting. 

How Does CSMA CD Work?

CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) is a network access method used in Ethernet networks. Devices listen to the network before transmitting to avoid collisions. If a collision is detected during transmission, devices stop transmitting, wait for a random time, and then retry.

Algorithm of CSMA/CD

The Algorithms of CSMA/CD are as follows −

  • Each node (computer) determines if the line is available for data transmission.
     
  • When a node detects an idle line, the data packets are released.
     
  • The state of collision occurs when two computers communicate data simultaneously.
     
  • When a node collides, it tries to deliver the data again with a configurable time interval (the process continues if the collision happens again).

Advantages and Disadvantages of CSMA CD

Advantages of CSMA CD

  • Easy to implement
     
  • Lower in cost
     
  • Self-correction ability
     
  • High Scalability

Disadvantages of CSMA CD

  • Low efficiency
     
  • High latency
     
  • Low bandwidth efficiency
     
  • Unstable performance

What is CSMA/CA?

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) is a network protocol that operates on the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer for carrier transfer. In contrast to CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection), which deals with collisions after they happen, CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) prevents collisions from happening.

You can refer to this link to learn more about CSMA CA.

How Does CSMA CA Work?

CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is a network access method used in wireless networks like Wi-Fi. Before transmitting, devices listen to the channel. If the channel is clear, they send a request-to-send (RTS) frame to reserve the channel. Upon receiving the clear-to-send (CTS) frame from the receiver, they transmit data. This method reduces collisions and improves efficiency in wireless environments.

Algorithm of CSMA/CA

The Algorithms of CSMA/CA are as follows −

  • Any other communication on the network is detected by a node first.
  • This approach tries to prevent collisions as much as possible.
  • If another broadcast goes on, it will wait a brief period before checking the channel again.
  • When the target device receives the data, it will acknowledge it.
  • If the sender's computer does not respond to the recipient, it will presume that the data was not received.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CSMA CA

Advantages of CSMA CA

  • Collision Avoidance
     
  • Stable performance
     
  • High Adabpatbility
     
  • High efficiency

Disadvantages of CSMA CA

  • Complex to implement
     
  • High in cost
     
  • Limited range
     
  • Inefficient for dense networks

Difference between CSMA CA and CSMA CD

S.NoParametersCSMA/CDCSMA/CA
1Collision Detection vs Collision AvoidanceThis CSMA type is utilized to identify a shared channel collision.It's a kind of CSMA used to keep a shared channel free of collision.
2Purpose of OperationIt's a mechanism for detecting collisions.It's a mechanism for avoiding collisions.
3Network ApplicationIn an Ethernet 802.3 network, cables have CSMA/CD.In an Ethernet 802.11 network, CSMA/CA is employed.
4Network TypeIt works with both wired and wireless networks.It can connect to wireless networks.
5Timing of OperationAfter a network's collision detection, this is effective.This is helpful before a network's collision detection.
6Reaction to CollisionsWhen a data packet on a shared channel collides, the data frame is resent.The CSMA CA, on the other hand, does not recover after a collision and waits until the channel is crowded.
7Effect on Network EfficiencyIt reduces the amount of time it takes to recuperate.It lessens the chances of a collision.
8Popularity and UsageIt has a larger user base than the CSMA CA.It's not as well-known as the CSMA CD.

Read more, Yarn vs NPM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between collision avoidance and collision detection?

Collision avoidance prevents collisions by checking channel availability before transmission, while collision detection identifies and manages collisions after they occur.

Does Ethernet use CSMA/CD or CSMA/CA?

Ethernet uses CSMA/CD in wired networks to detect and manage data collisions on shared communication channels.

Why is CSMA/CD not used in wireless?

CSMA/CD is not used in wireless networks because it's difficult to detect collisions due to signal interference and weaker transmission signals.

Who uses CSMA/CA?

CSMA/CA is used in wireless networks like Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) to avoid data collisions by reserving the channel before transmission.

Conclusion

CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA are both network protocols designed to manage data transmission in shared communication channels. While CSMA/CD is widely used in wired Ethernet networks to detect and handle collisions after they occur, CSMA/CA is primarily used in wireless networks like Wi-Fi to avoid collisions before they happen. The key difference lies in their approach — CSMA/CD focuses on collision detection and retransmission, whereas CSMA/CA emphasizes collision prevention.

Recommended Readings:

Live masterclass