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MAP (Medium access protocol)

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Introduction:

Medium Access Protocol (MAP) is a type of protocol used in computer networks to regulate the transmission of data over a shared communication medium. The primary function of MAP is to provide a set of rules and regulations for the devices connected to the network to communicate efficiently without causing any collisions. MAP is implemented in Local Area Networks (LAN) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and it ensures the efficient sharing of network resources by managing the communication flow between devices.

In this article, we will delve into Medium Access Protocol (MAP), its types, working, advantages, and disadvantages.

Types of Medium Access Protocol:

There are two types of Medium Access Protocol:

  1. Contention-Based Protocol: In Contention-Based Protocol, every device connected to the network is allowed to transmit data whenever they have data to send. If two or more devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously, a collision occurs, and the data is lost. The devices then wait for a random amount of time before attempting to send data again. Some examples of contention-based protocols include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Token Ring.
  2. Controlled Access Protocol: In Controlled Access Protocol, a device is granted permission to transmit data by a central authority, known as the access point. The access point assigns a time slot to each device, and the device is only allowed to transmit data during its allocated time slot. Some examples of controlled access protocols include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

Working of Medium Access Protocol:

The working of Medium Access Protocol varies depending on the type of protocol used. In contention-based protocols, the devices are allowed to transmit data whenever they have data to send. However, if two or more devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously, a collision occurs, and the data is lost. To avoid collisions, a collision detection mechanism is implemented in these protocols. If a collision occurs, the devices wait for a random amount of time before attempting to send data again.

In controlled access protocols, the access point assigns a time slot to each device, and the device is only allowed to transmit data during its allocated time slot. The access point manages the communication flow between devices to avoid collisions.

Advantages of Medium Access Protocol:

  1. Efficient Utilization of Network Resources: MAP ensures the efficient sharing of network resources by managing the communication flow between devices. This allows multiple devices to use the network without causing any collisions, resulting in the efficient utilization of network resources.
  2. Increased Network Performance: By avoiding collisions, MAP reduces the number of retransmissions required, resulting in increased network performance.
  3. Fair Allocation of Network Resources: MAP ensures that each device connected to the network is given equal access to network resources, resulting in a fair allocation of network resources.
  4. Simple Implementation: MAP is easy to implement and requires minimal hardware, resulting in cost savings.

Disadvantages of Medium Access Protocol:

  1. Increased Latency: In controlled access protocols, devices have to wait for their allocated time slot to transmit data, resulting in increased latency.
  2. Reduced Network Throughput: In contention-based protocols, collisions can occur, resulting in data loss and reduced network throughput.
  3. Limited Scalability: MAP has limited scalability and is not suitable for large-scale networks.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Medium Access Protocol (MAP) is a set of rules and regulations used in computer networks to regulate the transmission of data over a shared communication medium. MAP ensures the efficient sharing of network resources by managing the communication flow between devices, resulting in increased network performance and fair allocation of network resources. However, MAP also has its disadvantages, including increased latency, reduced network throughput, and limited scalability. The choice of MAP depends on the specific requirements of the network and the type of communication medium used.