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Multiple Access Techniques For Wireless Communications

Multiple access schemes are used to allow many mobile users to share
simultaneously a finite amount of radio spectrum. The sharing of spectrum is
required to achieve high capacity by simultaneously allocating the available
bandwidth (or the available amount of channels) to multiple users
In wireless communications systems, it is often desirable to allow the subscriber
to send simultaneously information to the base station while receiving
information from the base station. For example, in conventional telephone
systems, it is possible to talk and listen simultaneously, and this effect, called
duplexing, is generally required in wireless telephone systems.

In communication systems, FDMA, TDMA, and SDMA are three different

methods used to share a single communication channel among multiple users.
Understanding these methods helps us see how multiple users can efficiently
share communication channels without interference.

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) divides the channel into separate
frequency bands for each user. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) assigns
different time slots to each user on the same frequency. CDMA (Space Division
Multiple Access) uses unique codes to differentiate users sharing the same
frequency band at the same time. In this article, we are going to discuss the
differences between these communication channels in detail.

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access):-Frequency Division

Multiple Access (FDMA): FDMA is a type of channelization protocol. This
bandwidth is divided into various frequency bands. Each station is allocated a
band to send data and that band is reserved for the particular station for all the
time which is as follows.
The frequency bands of different stations are separated by small bands of
unused frequency and unused frequency bands are called as guard bands that
prevent the interference of stations
Advantages of FDMA

• FDMA uses simple hardware resources and is easy to set up.

• It efficiently handles smaller groups of users.

• The system isn’t overly complicated.

• All stations can transmit continuously without waiting their turn.

• It lowers the amount of data transmitted, which can increase capacity.

• It reduces interference between symbols, improving communication quality.

Disadvantages of FDMA

• FDMA works only with analog signals.

• It lacks flexibility, so existing traffic patterns must change gradually.

• Transponders need extensive bandwidth.

• It doesn’t support high traffic capacity.

• RF filters must meet strict adjacent channel rejection standards, which can increase
costs.

• The maximum bit rate per channel is small and remains fixed.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) :
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) : TDMA is the channelization protocol
in which bandwidth of channel is divided into various stations on the time basis.
There is a time slot given to each station, the station can transmit data during that
time slot only which is as follows.

Each station must aware of its beginning of time slot and the location of
the time slot. TDMA requires synchronization between different stations. It is
type of access method in the data link layer. At each station data link layer tells
the station to use the allocated time slot.

Advantages of TDMA

• As cell sizes decrease, TDMA requires substantial investment in space,

support, and base-station hardware.

• It can transmit data at speeds ranging from 64 kbps to 120 Mbps.

• TDMA separates users based on time, ensuring no interference from

simultaneous transmissions.

• It supports services like fax, voiceband data, SMS, multimedia

applications, and video conferencing.

• TDMA extends battery life by allowing devices to transmit only part of the
time during conversations.

• It effectively handles both data transmission and voice communication

needs.
 Disadvantages of TDMA

• If all time slots in the current cell and the next cell are occupied, users
allocated specific slots may not connect to a call.

• Frequency/slot allocation in TDMA can be complex.

• High data rates in TDMA require equalization.

• Network and spectrum planning in TDMA is complex and time-

consuming, needing expertise and resources.

• TDMA focuses on organization and range planning.

Difference Between FDMA, CDMA and TDMA

FDMA TDMA

FDMA stands for Frequency Division Multiple TDMA stands for Time Division Multiple
Access. Access.

In this, sharing of bandwidth among different In this, only the sharing of time of satellite
stations takes place. transponder takes place.

There is no need of any codeword. There is no need of any codeword.

In this, there is only need of guard bands In this, guard time of the adjacent slots are
between the adjacent channels are necessary. necessary.

Synchronization is not required. Synchronization is required.

The rate of data is low. The rate of data is medium.

Mode of data transfer is continuous signal. Mode of data transfer is signal in bursts.

It is little flexible. It is moderate flexible.

Spread Spectrum Multiple Access(SSMA)

Spread Spectrum Multiple Access (SSMA) is a technique used in wireless

communication systems to allow multiple users to share the same frequency
spectrum simultaneously while minimizing interference between them. It's a
combination of Spread Spectrum (SS) and Multiple Access (MA) techniques.
Key Concepts:

1. Spread Spectrum:
o Spread Spectrum is a method of transmitting a signal over a wide
frequency band, much wider than the minimum bandwidth required
to send the signal. This spreading of the signal makes it less
susceptible to interference, noise, and eavesdropping.
o There are two main types of spread spectrum techniques:
▪ Frequency Hopping: The signal jumps between different
frequencies according to a pre-defined pattern.
▪ Direct Sequence: The signal is multiplied by a high-
frequency code (called a spread code) that "spreads" the
original signal across a broader frequency range.
2. Multiple Access:
o Multiple Access techniques allow multiple users to share the same
communication channel without interfering with each other. Some
common multiple access methods include Time Division Multiple
Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA),
and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

SSMA Process:

• In SSMA, the Spread Spectrum technique is used to spread each user's

signal across a wide bandwidth.
• The Multiple Access technique (such as CDMA) ensures that different
users can communicate simultaneously without causing interference. In
CDMA, each user is assigned a unique code (or spreading sequence), and
their signals are spread across the same frequency band using this code.

Advantages of SSMA:

1. Resistance to Interference: The signal is spread over a wide range of

frequencies, making it less vulnerable to narrowband interference and
jamming.
2. Security: The spread signal is harder to intercept or decode without the
correct spreading code.
3. Efficient Spectrum Utilization: Since multiple users can use the same
frequency band, it helps in efficient use of the available spectrum.
4. Better Signal Quality: The signal is more robust against noise, which
leads to improved quality of service.
Applications of SSMA:

• Cellular networks (especially in 3G/4G, CDMA-based technologies)

• Wi-Fi networks (especially with DSSS and OFDM techniques)
• Satellite communications and military communication systems.

Space Division Multiple Access(SDMA)

Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) is a communication technique that uses
spatial separation to enable multiple users to share the same frequency
spectrum. Unlike other multiple access techniques like TDMA (Time Division
Multiple Access) or FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), which divide the
spectrum in time or frequency, SDMA leverages physical space to separate
users.

Key Concepts:

1. Spatial Separation:
o SDMA works by utilizing the spatial diversity of the system. It uses
the spatial characteristics of the transmission medium, often by
employing antenna arrays or beamforming techniques to direct
signals to specific users.
o Antenna Arrays: In SDMA, multiple antennas are used to create
beams of radio waves in different directions.
o Beamforming: Beamforming is a technique that focuses the radio
signal towards a specific user by adjusting the phase and amplitude
of the signal at each antenna in the array.

Advantages of SDMA:
1. By reusing the same frequency in different spatial regions, increase the
capacity of the system without needing additional bandwidth.
2. Reduced Interference: Since users are separated by space, the
interference between users is minimized.
3. Efficient Spectrum Utilization: SDMA allows more efficient use of the
available frequency spectrum by enabling spatial reuse of frequencies.
4. Improved Signal Quality: The use of directional beams improves the
quality of the signal
Applications of SDMA:

1. Cellular Networks: SDMA is particularly useful in cellular systems

(especially in 4G LTE and 5G networks), where it can help increase the
capacity of a cell by allowing multiple users to share the same frequency.
2. Wi-Fi Networks: SDMA can be employed in Wi-Fi networks to separate
users in the same physical space by targeting their devices with focused
beams.
3. Satellite Communication: In satellite systems, SDMA can be used to
direct communication beams to different users on the ground, improving
overall capacity and efficiency.
4. Wireless Communication Systems: SDMA is often used in conjunction
with other techniques like MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) to
maximize network throughput and efficiency.

Example: 5G Networks

In 5G networks, SDMA can be used in combination with massive MIMO

(which uses large antenna arrays with many elements) to provide high data rates
and low latency. Massive MIMO allows for spatial separation of users in a dense
environment, improving overall network performance and user experience.

Packet Radio Protocol:

Packet Radio Protocol is a communication protocol used in amateur radio
to transmit digital data over radio frequencies. It’s designed to allow data
to be sent in small packets, facilitating efficient communication in radio
networks. Packet radio uses techniques that allow the transmission of
data through radio waves, which is particularly useful in situations where
traditional internet infrastructure is unavailable, such as during
emergencies or in remote areas.

Applications

• Amateur Radio Networks: Used by hobbyists for sending messages, file

transfers, and chat via radio frequencies.
• Emergency Communication: Especially useful in disaster scenarios
where the internet and cellular networks are down.
• Messaging Systems: Some packet radio systems facilitate message
exchange between users or relays via a local node or a regional network.
 • Telemetry and Remote Monitoring: Used for transmitting data from
remote sensors or monitoring equipment to a central location.

Advantages

• Long Range: Radio signals can travel much farther than typical wired
connections, especially in rural or isolated areas.
• Independent of Internet: Useful in situations where no internet or phone
infrastructure exists.
• Robust and Resilient: Packet radio systems are relatively resilient to noise
and interference, with the protocol handling errors and retransmissions.

7. Limitations

• Bandwidth Constraints: Packet radio is typically slower than modern

internet connections.
• Channel Congestion: Multiple users on the same frequency can cause
congestion and slow down the communication.
• Regulatory Restrictions: Operating packet radio often requires a licensed
amateur radio operator, and frequencies must adhere to local regulations.

Aloha

Aloha is a type of Random access protocol it was developed at the University of

Hawaii in early 1970, it is a LAN-based protocol this type there are more chances
of occurrence of collisions during the transmission of data from any source to the
destination, Aloha has two types one Pure Aloha and another Slotted Aloha.

Pure Aloha

Pure Aloha can be termed as the main Aloha or the original Aloha. Whenever any
frame is available, each station sends it, and due to the presence of only one
channel for communication, it can lead to the chance of collision.

In the case of the pure aloha, the user transmits the frame and waits till the
receiver acknowledges it, if the receiver does not send the acknowledgment, the
sender will assume that it has not been received and sender resends the
acknowledgment
 Slotted Aloha

Slotted Aloha is simply an advanced version of pure Aloha that helps in

improving the communication network. A station is required to wait for the
beginning of the next slot to transmit. The vulnerable period is halved as opposed
to Pure Aloha.

Slotted Aloha helps in reducing the number of collisions by properly utilizing the
channel and this basically results in the somehow delay of the users. In Slotted
Aloha, the channel time is separated into particular time slots.

Pure Aloha Slotted Aloha

In this Aloha, any station can transmit the data In this, any station can transmit the data at the
at any time. beginning of any time slot.

In this, The time is continuous and not globally In this, The time is discrete and globally
synchronized. synchronized.

Vulnerable time for Pure Aloha = 2 x Tt Vulnerable time for Slotted Aloha = Tt

In Pure Aloha, the Probability of successful In Slotted Aloha, the Probability of successful
transmission of the data packet transmission of the data packet

= G x e-2G = G x e-G
In Pure Aloha, Maximum efficiency In Slotted Aloha, Maximum efficiency

= 18.4% = 36.8%

Pure Aloha doesn’t reduce the number of Slotted Aloha reduces the number of collisions to
collisions to half. half and doubles the efficiency of Pure Aloha.