Frequency division multiple access or
FDMA is a
channel access method used in multiple-access protocols as a channelization protocol. FDMA gives users an individual allocation of one or several
frequency bands, or
channels. It is particularly commonplace in
satellite communication. FDMA, like other multiple access systems, coordinates access between multiple users. Alternatives include
TDMA,
CDMA, or
SDMA. These protocols are utilized differently, at different levels of the theoretical
OSI model.