Problem Statement
Explain multiplexing and describe one type used in computer networks.
Explanation
Multiplexing is a technique that allows multiple signals to share a single transmission medium efficiently. For example, Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) divides the available bandwidth into distinct frequency channels for each signal. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) divides the time into slots assigned to each signal sequentially. Multiplexing maximizes bandwidth usage and reduces infrastructure cost. Knowing when to use FDM, TDM, or WDM (in optical fiber) is a common placement question.
Practice Sets
This question appears in the following practice sets: