Multiplexing free essay sample

Multiplexing is the process of combining many signals, usually from slow devices, onto one very fast communications link. This sharing is achieved by a device called a Multiplexor (MUX) that organises the signals that are sent and by a corresponding device, a Demultiplexor (DEMUX), at the other end separating the signals again. ]]Next:  The Multiplexing Solution The Multiplexing Solution When multiplexing is successfully implemented it is transparent to the end users. As far as they are concerned they are directly connected to the receiving system and are not sharing the channel with anyone else. A multiplexor is specialist communication hardware that combines many signals to permit use of a single communications link. The bandwidth of a multiplexor depends on the number of users using the link. Another term used to describe multiplexor is concentrator. In order to allow users access to a single link a system must be set up to ensure that all users are given equal access. We will write a custom essay sample on Multiplexing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This can be achieved by either giving users a time slice of the channel or some of the frequency space. The use of multiplexing has been the backbone of telephone systems around the world. Click on this link to review the wikipedia resource on  multiplexing. Next:  Types of Multiplexing Types of Multiplexing There are two basic forms of multiplexing used: * Time division multiplexing (TDM) * Frequency division multiplexing (FDM) Next:  Time Division Multiplexing Time Division Multiplexing Time Division Multiplexing works by the multiplexor collecting and storing the incoming transmissions from all of the slow lines connected to it and allocating a time slice on the fast link to each in turn. The messages are sent down the high speed link one after the other. Each transmission when received can be separated according to the time slice allocated. Theoretically, the available speed of the fast link should at least be equal to the total of all of the slow speeds coming into the multiplexor so that its maximum capacity is not exceeded. Two ways of implementing TDM are: * Synchronous TDM * Asynchronous TDM Click on this link to review the wikipedia resource on  multiplexing. Next:  Synchronous TDMSynchronous TDM Synchronous TDM works by the muliplexor giving exactly the same amount of time to each device connected to it. This time slice is allocated even if a device has nothing to transmit. This is wasteful in that there will be many times when allocated time slots are not being used. Therefore, the use of Synchronous TDM does not guarantee maximum line usage and efficiency. Synchronous TDM is used in T1 and E1 connections. Next:  Asynchronous TDM Asynchronous TDM Asynchronous TDM is a more flexible method of TDM. With Asynchronous TDM the length of time allocated is not fixed for each device but time is given to devices that have data to transmit. This version of TDM works by tagging each frame with an identification number to note which device it belongs to. This may require more processing by the multiplexor and take longer, however, the time saved by efficient and effective bandwidth utilization makes it worthwhile. Asynchronous TDM allows more devices than there is physical bandwidth for. This type of TDM is used in  Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)  networks. Next:  Frequency Division Multiplexing Frequency Division Multiplexing Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) works by transmitting all of the signals along the same high speed link simultaneously with each signal set at a different frequency. For FDM to work properly frequency overlap must be avoided. Therefore, the link must have sufficient bandwidth to be able to carry the wide range of frequencies required. The demultiplexor at the receiving end works by dividing the signals by tuning into the appropriate frequency. FDM operates in a similar way to radio broadcasting where a number of different stations will broadcast simultaneously but on different frequencies. Listeners can then tune their radio so that it captures the frequency or station they want. FDM gives a total bandwidth greater than the combined bandwidth of the signals to be transmitted. In order to prevent signal overlap there are strips of frequency that separate the signals. These are called guard bands. Click on this link to review a website explaining each of the  types of multiplexing  using diagrams. Next:  Use of FDMUse of FDM A common example of FDM use is Cable television (CATV). This can be achieved with coaxial cable or fibre-optic cable. A multiplexor is used to combine many channels to maximize the use of the available bandwidth and a demultiplexor built into the television or set top box will separate the channel that the viewer wants to watch.