By using DAMA technology the number of separate nodes that can use a limited pool of circuits can be greatly increased at the expense of no longer being able to provide simultaneous access for all possible pairs of nodes. A five-channel DAMA network can only have five simultaneous conversations but could have any number of nodes. A five-channel PAMA network permanently supports five simultaneous conversations, with channel ownership remaining with their permanently assigned nodes even when idle.
DAMA technology allows more separate nodes to share a limited pool of circuits at the expense of not being able to provide simultaneous access for all possible pairs of nodes. A five-channel DAMA network can only handle five concurrent conversations but can accommodate any number of nodes. In contrast, a five-channel PAMA network consistently supports five simultaneous conversations with channel ownership remaining with permanently assigned nodes even when idle.