Describe how wireless networks make use of the CSMA/CA method along with RTS/CTS to transmit data reliably between devices

When a device must send data to another across a wireless medium, it will first assemble a frame, and then send out a signal to check that the network is idle (no transmissions are currently occurring). If data is currently being transmitted, the device will wait a random amount of time and then check again. Once the network is recognised as idle, the device will transmit the packet. However, if RTS/CTS is being used, the device will send a RTS (ready to send) signal to the receiver before transmitting the packet. When the receiver receives this signal, it will send back a CTS (clear to send) signal to the sender. Once this has been received by the sender, the device will transmit the packet. Using RTS/CTS eliminates the problem of 'hidden nodes', where a node (device) is visible to the WAP (wireless access point), but not to other nodes, potentially leading to data collision and corruption.