timeslots

A timeslot is a fixed interval of time that is allocated for a specific activity or event. Timeslots are used in scheduling and resource management to structure the use of scarce or shared assets such as rooms, equipment, or personnel.

In calendars and appointment systems, a timeslot represents a discrete opportunity to schedule a meeting, service, or consultation. Timeslots are typically uniform in duration, and bookings may require buffers before or after to accommodate setup, travel, or cleanup.

In broadcasting and telecommunications, timeslots are basic units of time in channel access methods such as time-division multiple access (TDMA). Each timeslot is allocated to a user or signal for a repeating frame, enabling multiple users to share a single channel.

In computing and networks, time-slicing allocates processor time or network capacity to different processes. A program or task receives a timeslice, a short interval during which it can run before control passes to others. Timeslots are also used in data capture and sampling schemes.

In operations research and planning, timeslots are discrete resources that can be assigned to tasks such as lectures, lab sessions, or service appointments. Managing timeslot inventories involves balancing demand, capacity, and constraints to maximize utilization and minimize conflicts.