Discussing the design, performance and implementation of access protocols, this text emphasizes how such protocols can efficiently support disparate classes of multimedia traffic. These protocols are deployed or experimented in various broadband wireless environments such as wireless ATM, satellite networks, mobile cellular and personal communication systems, wireless local loops, wireless local area networks, and others. Besides a comprehensive introduction and survey to the evolution of access protocols, other topics covered include: connection control and QoS provisioning; traffic load balancing techniques; developments in advanced CDMA/TDMA/OFDM systems; international standardization efforts (for example 3G, IMT 2000); emerging broadband wireless access (for example wireless ATM, satellite ATM, high-speed wireless LANs); the complete design, performance analysis, simulation and protocol verification of a generalized broadband multiple access protocol. While engineering aspects are discussed, the emphasis is on the physical understanding of access protocols, from basic proposals to the latest innovations.