A method and apparatus for detecting a collision between signal
transmissions on a carrier medium, such as UTP wiring, are described. The
method commences with the transmission of an identifier from a transmitter
of a network device. The transmitted identifier has a predetermined
duration and includes a pulse at a temporal location within the
transmitted identifier specific thereto. A identifier is also received at
a receiver of the network device. The received identifier also has a
predetermined duration, and includes a pulse at a temporal location
therein. A determination is then made as to whether the temporal location
of the pulse within the received identifier corresponds to the temporal
location of the pulse within the transmitted identifier. If not, a
collision is detected on the network.
