The contention-slot size is given by the longest period a sender can transmit
before detecting a collision. The worst-case occurs when the hosts involved
are at opposite ends of the channel. One host begins sending, the first bit
arriving at the second host t units later. Just before that occurs, the second
host senses the channel unused and begins sending. Collision ensues, and
t units later the collision arrives at the first host.
This page last modified on 2006 January 24.