What is the difference between CSMA CA and CSMA CD?

CSMA CD (Collision Detection) and CSMA CA (Collision Avoidance) are two modifications of CSMA, a Media Access Control Protocol used to monitor the transmission of data so as to prevent the data against collision. However, in the event that a collision occurs, CSMA CD will be used to detect it, and immediately the collision is detected, the transmission will be stopped so as to save time. After this, the transmission of the data can be done again.

On the other hand, CSMA CA does not work by detecting collisions; it works by sensing whether the medium to be used for the transmission is busy or not. If the medium is in use for another operation, the transmission of the data will be delayed, and once the medium is free to be used, the data will be transmitted. CSMA, CA, is used mainly to prevent collisions. In contrast, CSMA is designed majorly to detect collisions and for recovery purposes.

CSMA stands for carrier sense multiple access, or CSMA is a media access control. The control protocol is used to manage the influx of information so that packets do not get lost, and data reliability is intact. There are two variations to CSMA (the CSMA cd collision detected and CSMA CA collision avoidance). Each of these possesses its own purpose. CSMA operates by identifying the state of the medium to counteract or recover a collision.

A collision occurs when two transmitters transmit simultaneously. CSMA CD conducts itself by detecting the occurrence of a crash. Once a collision is detected, CSMA CD instantly terminates the transmission so that the transmitter does not have to continue. CSMA CA does not handle the recovery after a crash. CSMA CD is mostly used in wired installations because the transmitter cannot identify if a collision has occurred.