"Contention" (same in Eng and Fr) is used to describe a problem that can occur when devices (like PCs) connected to a network are free to send data packets anywhere they want, when they want. There is a chance that two of them will try to talk to a third device at exactly the same time, and the network operating system has to have a way of deciding which takes priority.

(Perhaps this helps with your related question, too.)

Hope this is helpful :)))
Good luck !!!

as in collision