Multiple access with collision avoidance

MACA (Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) is a computer protocol. The modification included in this protocol, with respect to CSMA/CD, is that now the stations, before transmitting, must send an RTS (Request To Send) frame. Said frame indicates the length of the data packet to be sent. The Size of said frame is 30 bytes.

Given this, the rest of the stations will act in such a way that, if they “hear” an RTS, they will wait for the CTS (Clear to send) and, if they “hear” a CTS, they will wait the necessary time for the transmission to be transmitted. length indicated in said CTS. There is also the combined protocol of MACA with CSMA/CA, which consists of using MACA using the CSMA/CA to send the RTS and the CTS. The latter is currently the most used in wireless networks (802.11).