 - Time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a method of putting multiple data streams in a single signal by separating the signal into many segments, each having a very short duration. Each individual data stream is reassembled at the receiving end based on the timing.
The circuit that combines signals at the source
(transmitting) end of a communications link is known as a
multiplexer. It accepts the input from each individual end user,
breaks each signal into segments, and assigns the segments to the
composite signal in a rotating, repeating sequence. The composite
signal thus contains data from multiple senders. At the other
end of the long-distance cable, the individual signals are
separated out by means of a circuit called a demultiplexer, and
routed to the proper end users. A two-way communications circuit
requires a multiplexer/demultiplexer at each end of the
long-distance, high-bandwidth cable.
If many signals must be sent along a single
long-distance line, careful engineering is required to ensure
that the system will perform properly. An asset of TDM is its
flexibility. The scheme allows for variation in the number of
signals being sent along the line, and constantly adjusts the
time intervals to make optimum use of the available bandwidth. The Internet is a classic example of a communications network in which the
volume of traffic can change drastically from hour to hour. In
some systems, a different scheme, known as frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), is preferred.
| LAST UPDATED: |
16 Aug 2002
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