Wavelength-division multiple access

Divides the spectrum into channels (wavelength bands). Each station is assigned two channels. A narrow channel is provided as a control channel to signal the station, and a wide channel is provided so the station can output data frames. Each channel is divided into groups of time slots. Let us call the number of slots in the control channel m and the number of slots in the data channel n + 1, where n of these are for data and the last one is used by the station to report on its status (mainly, which slots on both channels are free). On both channels, the sequence of slots repeats endlessly, with slot 0 being marked in a special way so latecomers can detect it. All channels are synchronized by a single global clock.

Category:Communication_circuits