BCA-403

Computer Networks
Unit-4
Topic: Multiplexing, FDM – Frequency division multiplexing,
WDM – Wavelength division multiplexing, TDM – Time division
multiplexing

Multiplexing Definition:
Multiplexing is a technique which combines multiple signals into one
signal, suitable for transmission over a communication channel such as
coaxial cable or optical fibre. Multiplexing is also sometimes referred to
as muxing.

The multiplexing technique divides the communication channel into

several logical sub-channels. Each logical sub-channel is dedicated to
an individual signal.
Thus, the multiple signals are sent simultaneously over a shared
communication channel (medium). Multiplexing has-been used for many
years in long-distance telephony.

Multiplexing is done by using a device called Multiplexer or MUX. The

multiplexer combines n input lines to generate one output line.

Without Multiplexing vs With Multiplexing:

The below figure shows the communication system without multiplexing:

The communication system without multiplexing carries only one signal

at any moment in time. Thus, it uses three communication channels to
carry three signals. In this technique, a large amount of bandwidth is
wasted.
The below figure shows the communication system with multiplexing. It
carries three signals simultaneously. Thus, it uses only one
communication channel to carry 3 signals (multiple signals). In this
technique, the bandwidth is effectively used.

Types of Multiplexing:
Multiplexing is mainly classified into two types:
Analog multiplexing
Digital multiplexing

Analog multiplexing is again classified into two types:

o Frequency Division Multiplexing
o Wavelength Division Multiplexing
In digital multiplexing, the Time Division Multiplexing is the most popular
technique. The time division multiplexing is again classified into two
types:
o Synchronous TDM
o Asynchronous TDM
Analog Multiplexing
o The process of combining multiple analog signals into one signal is
called analog multiplexing. It multiplexes the analog signals
according to their frequency or wavelength.
o Multiplexing requires that the multiple signals be kept apart so that
they do not overlap with each other and thus can be separated at
the receiving end. This can be achieved by separating the signal in
frequency.
o There are two types of analog multiplexing:
o Frequency division multiplexing
o Wavelength division multiplexing

Frequency Division Multiplexing

o Frequency division multiplexing is an analog technique. It is the
most popular multiplexing technique. We use this technique
extensively in TV and radio transmission. This technique combines
multiple signals into one signal and transmitted over the
communication channel. Frequency division multiplexing is also
known as FDM.
o
o In this technique, the bandwidth of the communication channel
should be greater than the combined bandwidth of individual
signals.
o
The frequency division multiplexing divides the bandwidth of a channel
into several logical sub-channels. Each logical sub-channel is allotted for
a different signal frequency. The individual signals are filtered and then
modulated (frequency is shifted), in order to fit exactly into logical sub-
channels.
In this technique, each logical sub-channel (individual signal frequency)
is allotted to each user. In other words, each user owns a sub-channel.

Each logical sub-channel is separated by an unused bandwidth called

Guard Band to prevent overlapping of signals. In other words, there
exists a frequency gap between two adjacent signals to prevent signal
overlapping. A guard band is a narrow frequency range that separates
two signal frequencies.

At transmitter end, each transmitter sends a signal of different frequency.

In the below figure, the transmitter 1 sends a signal of 30 kHz,
transmitter 2 sends a signal of 40 kHz, and transmitter 3 sends a signal
of 50 kHz. These signals of different frequencies are then multiplexed or
combined by using a device called multiplexer. It then transmits the
multiplexed signals over a communication channel.

At the receiver end, the multiplexed signals are separated by using a

device called demultiplexer. It then sends the separated signals to the
respective receivers. In the above figure, the receiver 1 receives signal
of 30 kHz, receiver 2 receives signal of 40 kHz, and receiver 3 receives
signal of 50 kHz.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Frequency Division Multiplexing
(FDM)
Advantages of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
1. It transmits multiple signals simultaneously.
2. In frequency division multiplexing, the demodulation process is easy.
3. It does not need Synchronization between transmitter and receiver.

Disadvantages of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)

It needs a large bandwidth communication channel.
Applications of Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
1. Frequency division multiplexing is used for FM and AM radio
broadcasting.
2. It is used in first generation cellular telephone.
3. It is used in television broadcasting.

Wavelength Division Multiplexing

the working principle of wavelength division multiplexing is similar to

frequency division multiplexing. The only difference is in wavelength
division multiplexing optical signals are used instead of electrical signals.
In wavelength division multiplexing, optical signals are transmitted
through Fiber optic cables.
Wavelength division multiplexing is a technology that increases the
bandwidth of a communication channel (optical fiber) by simultaneously
allowing multiple optical signals through it.
In this technique, each logical sub-channel (individual signal wavelength)
is allotted to each user. In other words, each user owns a sub-channel.
The main advantage of WDM system is that you only need to upgrade
the multiplexer and demultiplexer at each end; you no need to buy more
fibers which are more expensive. Wavelength division multiplexing
enables bi-directional communication and multiplication of optical signal
capacity.

How WDM system works

The schematic diagram of a WDM system is shown in the below figure.
The transmitter end contains multiple optical transmitters and the
receiver end contains multiple optical receivers. The communication
channel (optical fiber) is present between the transmitter and receiver.
At transmitter end, each transmitter sends an optical signal of different
wavelength or color. These optical signals of different wavelengths or
colors are then multiplexed or combined by using a device called
multiplexer.

Advantages of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)

1. WDM allows transmission of data in two directions simultaneously
2. Low cost
3. Greater transmission capacity
4. High security
5. Long distance communication with low signal loss
Digital Multiplexing
The process of combining multiple digital signals into one signal is called
digital multiplexing.

Time Division Multiplexing

Time Division Multiplexing is a technique in which multiple signals are
combined and transmitted one after another on the same communication
channel.
At the receiver side, the signals are separated and received. Each signal
is received by a user at a different time.
Time Division Multiplexing is also simply referred to as TDM. It is the
digital multiplexing technique.
Time Division Multiplexing is also simply referred to as TDM. It is the
digital multiplexing technique.
In frequency division multiplexing, all signals of different frequencies are
transmitted simultaneously. But in time division multiplexing, all signals
operate with the same frequency are transmitted at different times
In frequency division multiplexing, the sharing of a channel is done on
the basis of frequency. But in time division multiplexing, the sharing of a
channel is done on the basis of time.

In time division multiplexing, each user is allotted a particular time

interval called time slot during which data is transmitted. The time
interval (time slot) allotted to each receiver (user) is so small that the
receiver will not detect that some time was used to serve another
receiver (user).
In time division multiplexing, all signals are not transmitted
simultaneously; instead, they are transmitted one after another. For
example, as shown in the above figure, at first, we send signal A. Then
after second signal B and then after third signal C and finally, we send
last signal D. Thus, each user occupies an entire bandwidth for a short
period of time.
The time division multiplexing technique is used to multiplex analog
signals or digital signals. However, the time division multiplexing is more
suitable for digital signal multiplexing.

Types of TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)

Time Division Multiplexing is mainly classified into two types:
o Synchronous TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)
o Asynchronous TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)

Synchronous TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)

In synchronous time division multiplexing, each device (transmitter) is
allotted with a fixed time slot, regardless of the fact that the device
(transmitter) has any data to transmit or not. The device has to transmit
data within this time slot. If the device (transmitter) does not have any
data to send then its time slot remains empty.

Asynchronous TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)

In Asynchronous time division multiplexing, the time slots are not fixed
(I.e. time slots are flexible). The asynchronous TDM is also known as
statistical time division multiplexing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Time Division Multiplexing
(TDM)
Advantages of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
1. Full bandwidth is utilized by a user at a particular time.
2. The time division multiplexing technique is more flexible than
frequency division multiplexing.
3. In time division multiplexing, the problem of crosstalk is very less.
Disadvantages of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
In time division multiplexing, synchronization is required.
Advantages of multiplexing
1. Multiple signals can be sent simultaneously over a single
communication channel.
2. Effective use of channel bandwidth
3. Multiplexing reduces cost
4. Multiplexing reduces circuit complexity
Applications of Multiplexing
1. Communication system
2. Computer memory
3. Telephone systems
4. TV broadcasting
5. Telemetry
6. Satellites

Compare FDM, WDM, and TDM

 TDM

FDM WDM

1. The 1. The
communication communication 1. The
channel is channel is communication
divided by divided by channel is
frequency. wavelength. divided by time.

2. Analog 2. Analog 2. Digital

technique. technique. technique.

3. 3. 3.
Synchronization Synchronization Synchronization
is not required. is not required. is required.

4. It requires 4. It requires
complex complex
circuitry at the circuitry at the 4. It does not
transmitter and transmitter and require complex
receiver. receiver. circuitry.

5. In FDM, the 5. In WDM, the 5. In TDM, the

problem of problem of problem of
crosstalk is crosstalk is crosstalk is not
severe. severe. severe.

6. The channel 6. The channel

bandwidth is bandwidth is 6. The channel
effectively effectively bandwidth is
used. used. wasted.

7. FDM stands 7. WDM stands 7. TDM stands

for Frequency for Wavelength for Time
Division Division Division
Multiplexing. Multiplexing. Multiplexing.