TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)

Time Division Multiple Access lets multiple users share the same frequency channel by transmitting in successive time slots. TDMA was the access method of GSM, IS-136 D-AMPS, DECT, TETRA, and many satellite systems. It has been largely superseded by CDMA and OFDMA in mass-market mobile networks but persists in many specialised radio systems.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkInternet and RoutingEncryption and Cryptography

TDMA in context

The radio access network is where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations and downgrade attacks; defenses rest on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

Telecom networks depend on Internet-style routing (BGP, DNS, MPLS) for interconnect. Route hijacks and DNS abuse can degrade or intercept signaling, which is why RPKI and DNSSEC are now standard hardening for carrier networks.

To place TDMA in the wider telecom-security picture, review Broadband, CDMA, Noise, OFDMA, SHR and A5/2 — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

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Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.