Method for transmitting data in multiple access data communications networks

A method for transmitting data in packet switching networks provides a Collision-Eliminating Multiple Access protocol in which nodes desiring to transmit over the network channel transmit reservation requests during a plurality of contention slots, the number of contention slots being dynamically controlled according to network load. A node designated to next obtain control of the channel receives the identifiers of nodes transmitting reservation requests and, prior to transmitting application data, transmits network control data consisting of the identifiers of nodes from whom successful reservation requests were successfully received. The transmitted identifiers are received and stored by each node in an identical queue, whereby subsequent control of the channel is rotated based on the order of node identifiers appearing in an identical queue on each node. The transmitted network control data includes reservation requests received during a previous contention slot period, queue correction information, and the identifiers of nodes from which the controlling node expects to receive data.