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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Random Backoff

A random number of slot times a station waits after the medium is idle before transmitting.

Definition

Each station picks a random backoff from its contention window and counts down only while the medium is idle. The station whose counter reaches zero first transmits. Randomness reduces collisions among stations waiting simultaneously.

Exam tip

The backoff timer pauses when the medium becomes busy.

Related terms