Multiplexing involves combining two or more information networks (digital or analog) into a single signal over a shared medium, majorly to share a limited resource. Technology offers a reliable solution for different industries, including media houses, telecommunications, and businesses. For instance, telecom companies can use the Gigabit Access Multiplexer to meet the ever-increasing gigabit demands of their subscribers, scale up their operations, and supplement their Passive Optical Network (PON) infrastructures.
Types of Multiplexing
There are different standards of application for this technology. However, most companies and carriers apply standard multiplexing protocols to make the process usable across other parts of the world. Thus, a similar multiplexing protocol that works in Paris can also function in Florida, Brazil, and more. Here are the two most common types of multiplexing:
Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
TDM uses time segmentation to group multiple data streams into a single channel. Each unit differs with a very close duration and typically occurs at a similar period within the primary signal. Similarly, the connection ports in multiplexing protocol and multiplexing hardware have a direct relationship.
The originating end multiplexer relays data for every communication part at the same place. As a result, the multiplexer data from port number one typically drops within a similar period (time frame #1).
Worth noting, you won’t need to add identification data to the bitstream. The thumb rule for this type of multiplexing is that time frame one equals communication port one, time slot two equals port two, etc.
A T-1 multiplexer typically contains 24 ports, one for each time frame. As a result, all-time slots must be present even when you only have data in one slot, since the transmitter needs to use the whole bandwidth.
Packet Division Multiplexing
Unlike TDM, PDM breaks data into various groups. You’ll need to identify every cluster at the origination point to help the receiving end multiplexer group the data correctly and re-reproduce the information as it was at the origin.
Theoretically, you can funnel various information sources through a sole port at each end. As a result, you only use bandwidth corresponding to the amount of information in all packets you’re transmitting.
The latest generation of broadband communication procedures like Ethernet relies on the basis of PDM.
What sets the two types apart?
Some differences set TDM apart from PDM. First is their applications. TDM, for example, is majorly excellent in broadcasting quality videos and transmitting voice communications, since it gives enough bandwidth to every service. On the other hand, PDM is typically useful in data transmission since it only deploys the necessary bandwidth, requiring less hardware.
Applications of Multiplexing
Multiplexing technology is in massive use across different fields, including telecommunication, industrialization, and businesses that rely on data management to drive operations. Some of the typical applications include:
- Industries can use the technology to develop high-brightness lasers for direct applications.
- Companies can use it to facilitate the mirroring of large databases to keep up with the data protection and recovery regulations.
- Telecom companies can use the technology to direct numerous telephone calls to a single wire.
Several companies have been using multiplexing for several years. While new technologies are replacing veteran procedures, multiplexing keeps evolving and offers improved solutions across multiple industries, including the telecom space.
