Editing Time-division multiple access (section)

=== Disadvantages of TDMA ===

# '''Guard intervals''': To prevent interference between adjacent TDMA slots, guard intervals must be added. These intervals, typically ranging from 30 to 50 microseconds, serve as buffers to ensure that transmissions do not overlap. However, this requirement for extra time means that the overall throughput of the system can be reduced, as valuable time is spent in guard intervals rather than transmitting data. This is particularly problematic in cellular networks where time and energy efficiency are paramount.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nguyen |first1=Kien |last2=Golam Kibria |first2=Mirza |last3=Ishizu |first3=Kentaro |last4=Kojima |first4=Fumihide |date=2019-02-14 |title=Performance Evaluation of IEEE 802.11ad in Evolving Wi-Fi Networks |journal=Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing |volume=2019 |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1155/2019/4089365 |doi-access=free |issn=1530-8669}}</ref>
# '''Energy consumption''': While TDMA allows for some energy savings by turning off transmitters during idle periods, the inclusion of guard intervals can offset these benefits. The need for synchronization and the overhead associated with managing time slots can lead to increased energy consumption, particularly in scenarios where numerous users are competing for access to the channel. This can be a critical issue for mobile devices that rely on battery power.
# '''Synchronization challenges''': TDMA requires precise synchronization between all users to ensure that each user transmits within their designated time slot. This can complicate system design and implementation, especially in dynamic environments where users may frequently join or leave the network. Maintaining synchronization becomes increasingly difficult as the number of users grows, leading to potential disruptions and communication errors if not managed effectively.
# '''Limited data rates''': TDMA generally provides medium data rates compared to other multiple access techniques like CDMA (code-division multiple access). This limitation arises from the fixed time slot allocation, which can restrict the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given timeframe. As a result, users with higher data requirements may experience slower transmission speeds, leading to potential dissatisfaction and reduced performance for data-intensive applications.
# '''Moderate system flexibility''': TDMA offers moderate flexibility in terms of user allocation and data transmission rates. Unlike CDMA, which allows for a more dynamic and adaptive use of bandwidth, TDMA's fixed time slot assignment can lead to inefficiencies. In scenarios where user demand fluctuates significantly, the rigid structure of TDMA may result in underutilization of resources, as not all time slots may be filled during periods of low demand.<ref>{{Citation |title=Multiple access techniques: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA; system capacity comparisons |date=2004-12-16 |work=Mobile Wireless Communications |pages=137–160 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511811333.007 |access-date=2024-10-28 |publisher=Cambridge University Press|doi=10.1017/cbo9780511811333.007 |isbn=978-0-521-84347-8 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
# '''Latency issues''': Due to the time-sharing nature of TDMA, users may experience increased latency. When multiple users are connected, each must wait for their designated time slot to transmit data. In applications that require real-time communication, such as voice calls or video conferencing, this added delay can affect the quality of service, leading to lag and reduced responsiveness.
# '''Scalability constraints''': While TDMA can accommodate a growing number of users by adding more time slots, this scalability is limited by the need for synchronization and the fixed nature of time slot assignments. As user demand increases, the system may face challenges in maintaining performance levels without significant investment in infrastructure upgrades or more complex management systems.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Le Gouable |first=R. |chapter=Performance of MC-CDMA systems in multipath indoor environments. Comparison with COFDM-TDMA system |date=2000 |title=First International Conference on 3G Mobile Communication Technologies |chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1049/cp:20000018 |publisher=IEE |volume=2000 |pages=81–85 |doi=10.1049/cp:20000018|isbn=0-85296-726-8 }}</ref>