Multiplexing:

Whenever the bandwidth of a medium

linking two devices is greater than tha
bandwidth needs of the devices, the link
can be shared

Multiplexing is the set of techniques that

allows the simultaneous transmission of
multiple signals across a single data link.
• In a multiplexed system n lines share the
bandwidth of one link as shown in
figure.
Categories of Multiplexing:
 Frequency Division
Multiplexing
• FDM is an analogue technique


• Useful bandwidth of medium exceeds required

bandwidth of channel

• Each signal is modulated to a different carrier

frequency

• Carrier frequencies separated so signals do not

overlap (guard bands)

• e.g. broadcast radio



• Channel allocated even if no data


Example:
•
•
Multiplexing Process:
• As FDM is an anlog process, and we show it here using
telephones as the input devices.
• Each telephone generates a signal of a similar
frequency range. Inside the multiplexer, these
similar signals are modulated onto different carrier
frequencies(f1,f2 and f3).
• The resulting modulated signals are the combined into
a single composite signal that is sent out over a
media link that has enough bandwidth to
accommdate it.
 Demultiplexing Process:
•
• The demultiplexer uses a series of filters to decompose
the multiplxed signals into its constituent component
signals.
•
• The individual signals are then passed to a demodulator
that seprates them from their carriers and passes
them to the waiting receivers.
 Applications Of FDM:
• A very common application of FDM is AM and FM radio
broadcasting. Radio uses air as the transmission
medium.
 Each AM ststion needs 10KHz of bandwidth. Each
station uses a different carrier frequency, which means
it is shifting its signal and multiplexing. A signal which
goes to the air is a combination of all the signals. A
receiver receives all these signals, but filters(by
tuning) only the one which is desired.
 Without multiplexing only one AM station could be
broadcast to the common link, the air.
•
• Another common use of FDM is in television
broadcasting. Each TV channel has its own
Bandwidth of 6MHz