When an apparatus C which shares the media with apparatuses A and B desires to transmit an RTS packet, apparatus C inhibits transmission of the RTS packet for a fixed waiting time Tm plus a transmission inhibition period which varies depending on a type of a packet in a sensed carrier. In other words, when apparatus C senses an RTS packet of apparatus A, apparatus C inhibits transmission for a packet transmission inhibition period 101 resulting from reception of RTS. When apparatus C senses a CTS packet of apparatus B, apparatus C inhibits transmission for a packet transmission inhibition period 102 resulting from reception of CTS. When apparatus C senses a data packet, apparatus C inhibits transmission for a packet transmission inhibition period 103 resulting from reception of a data packet. When apparatus C senses an ACK packet of apparatus B, apparatus C inhibits transmission for a packet transmission inhibition period 104 resulting from reception of an ACK. As a result, a data communication apparatus which achieves efficient communication between a plurality of data communication apparatuses which share the same media is provided.