In communications, a channel access method is used to share a communications channel or physical communications medium between multiple users.
Examples of channel access methods:
In the OSI seven layer model, channel access methods are typically placed at layer 1, the physical layer.
Where these methods are used for dividing forward and reverse communication channels, they are known as duplexing methods, such as:
Note that hybrids of these techniques can be and frequently are used: for example, GSM combines the use of frequency division duplex to prevent interference between outward and return signals, with TDMA to allow multiple handsets to work in a single cell.
See also: