Are collisions normal on CSMA/CD LANs?

Collisions are indeed a normal part of the operation in CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) networks, particularly in environments where multiple devices are communicating over the same medium. This protocol is used primarily in Ethernet networks to manage how data packets are transmitted.

In a CSMA/CD LAN, devices listen for a carrier signal to determine if the network is free before attempting to transmit data. However, since multiple devices can sense the medium as clear at the same time, it is possible for two or more devices to transmit simultaneously, resulting in a collision. When a collision is detected, the devices involved use a backoff algorithm to wait for a random amount of time before attempting to retransmit, which helps to mitigate the chances of a repeat collision.

Understanding that collisions are common in this type of network helps in the management and design of local area networks. Network engineers can implement strategies to reduce the frequency of collisions, such as using switches instead of hubs, which creates separate collision domains. However, in the context of CSMA/CD itself, the presence of collisions is a typical characteristic of how the protocol operates.

The other options could imply misunderstandings about the protocol. For example, stating they should be avoided might suggest a lack of understanding of