The MAC Layer Problem
Single communications channel shared by many spatially distributed users who can communicate only through this channel.
A MAC protocol is a set of rules employed independently by each multi-access user to gain access to the channel (a distributed algorithm)
Classification:
- Fixed Assignment Protocols: TDMA, FDMA, CDMA
- Random Access Protocols: Aloha, CSMA, CSMA/CD
- Demand Assignment Protocols: Polling, Token Passing