Chapter 3

MULTIPLEXING AND DEMULTIPLEXING

know multiplexing & demultiplexing

understand multiplexing & demultiplexing Learning objectives

Definition
compare
Describe process
with block diagram
Tdm & fdm
Explain tdm, fdm &
wdm
Introduction TDM

Multiplexing &
Demultiplexing
FDM

TDM &FDM
Comparison WDM
definition

Multiplexing means combining multiple streams of information for

transmission over a shared medium/single data channel. The
medium in this context could be a transmission line, e.g. a twisted
pair or co-axial cable, a radio system or a fibre optic system etc.

Demultiplexing performs the reverse function: split a combined

stream arriving from a shared medium into the original information
streams
process
Multiplexing is done by an equipment called Multiplexer (MUX). It is placed
at the Transmitting End of the communication link.
It allows one of several analog or digital input signals which are to be
selected and transmits the input that is selected into a single medium.
At the Receiving End, the Composite Signal is separated by an equipment
called Demultiplexer (DEMUX).
Demultiplexer performs the reverse process of Multiplexing and routes the
separated signals to their corresponding Receivers or Destinations.
advantages of multiplexing

More than one signals can be sent over single

medium or link
Effective use of the bandwidth of medium
(cable and frequency)
time division multiplexing (tdm)
It is the digital multiplexing technique. Channel/Link is not divided on the
basis of frequency but on the basis of time. Total time available in the
channel is divided between several users. Each user is allotted a particular
time interval called time slot or slice.

TDM Techniques
In TDM, each message signal occupies the channel for a short period of
time. The principle is illustrated below:
time division multiplexing
TDM is applied primarily on digital signals but can be applied on analog signals as
well. In TDM the shared channel is divided among its user by means of time slot.
Each user can transmit data within the provided time slot only. Digital signals are
divided in frames, equivalent to time slot i.e. frame of an optimal size which can be
transmitted in given time slot.
TDM works in synchronized mode. Both ends, i.e. Multiplexer and De-multiplexer are
timely synchronized and both switch to next channel simultaneously.

When channel A transmits its frame at one end,the De-multiplexer provides media to channel
A on the other end.As soon as the channel As time slot expires, this side switches to channel B.
On the other end, the De-multiplexer works in a synchronized manner and provides media to
channel B. Signals from different channels travel the path in interleaved manner.
 types of tdm
Synchronous TDM
Each device is given same Time Slot to
transmit the data over the link, whether
the device has any data to transmit or
not.
Asynchronous TDM
In this time slots are not Fixed i.e. slots
are Flexible.
Slots are not predefined rather slots are
allocated to any of the device that has
data to send.
frequency division multiplexing
FDM is an analog technology.
FDM divides the spectrum or carrier bandwidth in logical channels and allocates one user to
each channel. Each user can use the channel frequency independently and has exclusive
access of it.
All channels are divided in such a way that they do not overlap with each other.
Channels are separated by guard bands. Guard band is a frequency which is not used by
either channel
fc1

fc2
wavelength division multiplexing

WDM is a method of combining multiple information signals of light

beams at various infrared frequencies for transmission along fiber
optic media.

Since wavelength () and frequency (f) are closely related, WDM is

similar to FDM.

WDM is conceptually the same as FDM, except that the multiplexing

and demultiplexing involve optical signals transmitted through fiber-
optic transmission mediums.

The idea is the same: combine different signals of different

frequencies; but the difference is that the frequencies are very high
(infrared light).
 TDM FDM
Used in digital system Used in analog system

Total available time is divided into total frequency bands are divided into
several user several users

Transmission of two or more signals on Transmission of two or more signals over

the same path, but at different times. a common path by using a different
frequency band for each signal.

Precise clock synchronisation required Precise carrier frequency required

Much better flexibility and efficiency Much better latency compared to TDM.
compared to FDM. (adjusting time slots) (time taken for data to reach
destination)
 Quiz

Click the Quiz button to edit this quiz