Which of the following describes CSMA/CD?

The correct answer is the first option: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection. This term refers to a network protocol used in Ethernet networks to manage how data packets are sent over the network while minimizing collisions that occur when two devices attempt to transmit data at the same time.

CSMA/CD works by having devices listen to the network to determine if the channel is available before sending data. If the line is clear, the device transmits, but if another device sends data simultaneously, a collision occurs. In that event, both devices will stop transmitting and will wait for a random period before attempting to send their data again, thereby reducing the chance of another collision.

This method is crucial in wired networks to maintain efficient data transfer and is foundational in understanding how traditional Ethernet networking operates. The other options do not correctly define the protocol or attribute the right concepts to CSMA/CD, focusing on incorrect terminology or concepts that do not align with the standard definitions of networking protocols.