Britannica AI Icon

carrier multiplexing

communications

Quick Summary

Carrier multiplexing is a technique that allows multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a single communication path. This is done to share the cost and capacity of communication channels, such as microwave links or coaxial cables.12

There are two primary types of multiplexing:

  • Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM): The available bandwidth of a channel is divided into different frequency bands. Each user is assigned a specific frequency band to transmit their signal. These signals are then combined and transmitted. At the receiver, filters separate the signals based on their assigned frequencies.12
  • Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM): The channel's time is divided into slots, and each user is assigned a specific time slot. Data from each user is transmitted sequentially during their allocated time slot. This process is repeated rapidly, creating the illusion of simultaneous transmission.12
Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.