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FDMA and TDMA: Channelization Processes | Computer Networks

Computer Networks TDMA and FDMA: In this article, we are going to learn about two channelization processes for multiple accesses, namely TDMA, FDMA.
Submitted by Radib Kar, on May 04, 2019

1) FDMA

FDMA (Frequency-Division Multiple Access) is a channelization process based on frequency division for multiple access. In frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), the available bandwidth is divided into frequency bands. Each station is allocated a channel bandwidth to send its data. Specifically speaking, each band of the link is reserved for a specific station, and it belongs to the station for all the time period.

Each station uses a bandpass filter to confine the transmitter frequencies within the specified band assigned to it. To prevent station interferences between stations, the allocated bands are separated from each another by small guard bands.

2) TDMA

TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) is a channelization process based on time-slot division for multiple access. In time-division multiple access (TDMA), the stations share the total bandwidth of the channel in time beings. Each station is allocated a time slot during which it can send data using the whole bandwidth. Each station transmits its data in its assigned time slot only.

But the main problem with TDMA is synchronization between different stations.

Another channelization process is Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) | Computer Networks

Reference: Question: Explain the Taxonomy of multiple access protocols