CSMA/CA performance is based largely upon the modulation technique used to transmit the data between nodes. Studies show that under ideal propagation conditions (simulations), [[direct-sequence spread spectrum|Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum]] (DSSS) provides the highest throughput for all nodes on a network when used in conjunction with CSMA/CA and the IEEE 802.11 RTS/CTS exchange under light network load conditions. [[frequencyFrequency hopping spread spectrum|Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum]] (FHSS) follows distantly behind DSSS with regard to throughput with a greater throughput once network load becomes substantially heavy. However, the throughput is generally the same under real world conditions due to radio propagation factors.<ref name=eunice/>
