Ethernet's CSMA CD vs. Ethernet's CSMA CA

Both Carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA CD) and Carrier-sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA CA) are medium access control methods used on Ethernet communication technologies. The IEEE 802.3 standard is based on the CSMA CD method, while the IEEE 802.11 standard operates on the CSMA CA method. In CSMA CD, when a device intends to transmit data, it senses the medium to see whether it is free. Similarly, any device on the network will act the same way, thus creating opportunities for the collisions to occur. In addition to accessing the medium, CSMA CD also defines the process on how devices must respond after data collision. That said, after collision is detected (CD), devices will retransmit the lost data. Interestingly, CSMA CA uses a proactive approach through collision avoidance (CA). Prior to transmitting data, devices will sense for mediums that are idle, thus avoiding collisions.