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What Is Multiplexing?

What Is Multiplexing
Multiple low data rate signals are multiplexed over a single high data rate link and demultiplexed at the other end. - Wikimedia

Date First Published: 19th June 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 7/10

Learn more about what multiplexing is in this article.

Multiplexing, sometimes abbreviated to muxing, is a method of combining analogue and digital signals into one data stream and sending them over a single transmission medium, such as fibre optic. When the composite signal reaches its final destination, it is demultiplexed and the individual signals are retrieved and made available for processing. In other words, multiplexing sends multiple streams or signals of information in the form of a single complex signal at the same time.

Multiplexing was first introduced in the 1870s to support telegraphy. As of now, all forms of telecommunications, such as radio, television, and telephone depend on multiplexing and it is now widely used in computer networks to send multiple signals across WANs. The carrier multiplexing was developed by George Owen Squier.

Note: Info Icon

A device that performs multiplexing is known as a multiplexer and a device that performs the reverse process is called a demultiplexer. 


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