How does ETHERNET Powerlink avoid data collisions?
Powerlink does not use the CSMA/CD mechanism to resolve data collisions, because collisions are prevented by design. By managing access to the network (a network manager coordinates access) each device is granted access in turn, hence no two devices will ever try to communicate simultaneously. Note that Powerlink devices will also operate as standard TCP/IP Ethernet devices. In this mode they do in fact use the CSMA/CD mechanism.
