What are two ways that the carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) MAC protocol helps devices ''talk'' with each other in an Ethernet network? (Choose two.)
CSMA/CD is the access method used in classic Ethernet (half-duplex). Its main functions:
Carrier Sense: A device listens to the medium to check if another device is transmitting before sending (avoiding collisions).
Collision Detection: If two devices transmit at the same time, they detect the collision, stop, and wait a random backoff period before retrying.
Devices can either transmit or receive at a given time (half-duplex), not both simultaneously.
Thus, correct answers:
A -- Listen before transmit.
B -- Devices can either transmit or receive.
Options C and D are incorrect:
CSMA/CD is a half-duplex protocol, not full-duplex.
Full-duplex eliminates collisions and no longer uses CSMA/CD.
From JNCIA-Junos Study Guide:
''CSMA/CD requires that devices sense the wire before transmitting. Devices can either transmit or receive, but not both at the same time.''
Juniper TechLibrary -- Ethernet and CSMA/CD Overview
JNCIA-Junos Exam Objective: Ethernet LANs