Functions of Multiplexers in A Data Communication Network PDF
Functions of Multiplexers in A Data Communication Network PDF
Introduction
This paper analyzes multiplexer functions. The paper discusses its functions, forms, and
Functions of multiplexers
In large-scale systems, it is often required to carry two or more signals in a single line.
There can be only one signal per line. Hence, the requirement is achieved by selecting different
signals at different instants. Multiplexers are used to take n input lines and provide input to one
output line. The primary benefit of multiplexer is the reduction in network costs by minimizing
the communication links between two points. Other benefits include the capability to do data
resources. Multiplexers increase the ability of the network to handle the data within a certain
amount of bandwidth and time. Multiplexing can be performed on analog as well as digital
signals. In the case of analog signals, it is achieved through the division of frequency and wave.
In the case of digital signals, it is achieved through time division. Time division multiplexing can
(MUX). MUX is placed in the communication link at the transmitting end. Demultiplexer
(DEMUX) separates the composite signal at the receiving end (Dueck & Reid, 2011).
multiplexing produces the opposite effect. It breaks one data stream into several data streams.
Multiplexers can be used in various fields where the requirement is to transmit multiple
data using a single line. Some of the applications of multiplexers include communication system,
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telephone network, computer memory, and transmitting data signals from the computer system
audio data simultaneously using a single transmission line. In telephone network, multiple audio
signals may be transmitted using a single line. In the computer memory, multiplexers reduce the
number of copper lines that are required for connecting the memory to other parts of the
computer circuit.
Forms of multiplexers
The process of multiplexing can be implemented using four methods; Frequency Division
When the signal is analog, multiplexing is usually achieved through Frequency Division
Multiplexing (FDM). It divides the carrier bandwidth into subchannels. The subchannels have
different frequency widths. Each subchannel carries a signal in parallel at the same time (Hamad,
2011). An example of FDM is cable television. The method assigns a different frequency to each
TV channel.
When the signal is digital, multiplexing is commonly achieved through Time Division
Multiplexing (TDM). In this method, same channel carries multiple signals. The signals are
available in the channel in alternating time slots (Iyengar & Brooks, 2012).
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In this method, active input channels receive bandwidth through dynamic allocation. The
process, does not receive any time allocation. Errors from incoming packets are detected and
This method is similar in approach to SPM. For any input needed, the method can assign
maximum bandwidth. The difference is that the method does not use store-and-forward
mechanism. Due to the absence of this mechanism, error detection and correction cannot be
performed.
In the transport layer of the OSI model, data communication between devices is managed
through flow control. It ensures that the data sent by the transmitting device does not exceed the
data that can be processed by the receiving device. In this connection, the role of multiplexing is
transporting data from several applications to a single line. The transport layer establishes,
Multiplexer is the device of a physical layer. Its function is to combine multiple data
streams. The technique of multiplexing can be extended to a channel access or multiple access
method. For example, statistical multiplexing can be extended to carrier sense multiple access
(CSMA). Similarly, time division multiplexing can be extended to time division multiple access
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(TDMA) (Bouchet, 2013). When multiple access methods are used, media access control
protocol is also involved. The protocol is part of the data link layer. Hence, data link layer of OSI
Multiplexer in a network
Multiplexers can either be digital circuits or analog types. Digital circuits are made from
high-speed logic gates. They are used for switching binary data. Analog types use transistors or
relays for switching the current or voltage inputs to a single output. The basic multiplexer
comprises of multiple data inputs, data selection switch, and single data output. In a simple 2 -1
line multiplexer circuit, the input A controls which of the input I o or I1 will pass to the output at
Inputs Output
A I1 I0 Q
0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0
0 1 0 1
0 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
1 0 1 1
1 1 0 0
1 1 1 1
Table 1 shows that input I1 or I0 is selected based on the data select input A. If A is low or
0, I1 passes its data to the output Q. I0 is blocked in this case. If A is high or 1, I 0 passes its data
Multiplexers may also take the form of the components of programmable logic devices.
A custom logic circuit can be developed by making input signals to follow the logic
arrangement. In such cases, selector inputs serve as the logic inputs. The arrangement is useful
when cost factor is very crucial. The arrangement is also applied for modularity.
Choosing a multiplexer
Multiplexers are used in various devices for data communication. They are usually used
in conjunction with demultiplexers. Equipment where multiplexer may be used includes graphics
controllers, digital semiconductors, and central processing units. Different types of multiplexers
are available depending on the need of the buyer. In the selection of the right multiplexer, the
key considerations include the number of concurrent connections, media access control, and the
number of ports. Other considerations include the data rate and the operating temperature.
Multiplexers have to handle many signals; hence the efficiency is very important. The rating for
reflection of the actual performance of the multiplexer. Independent efficiency tests can provide
a clear picture in this respect. The accommodating nature of multiplexer is also important
keeping in view the changes in data flow. There are certain additional features that prove useful
in multiplexers. These include full duplexing and IP addressing. Selection of a proper interface is
also crucial for a multiplexer. Most of the multiplexers are designed for placing in computer
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rooms. The key features to look for in the multiplexers are their types, inputs, and formats.
Conclusion
Multiplexers receive multiple inputs and provide one output. They reduce costs in a data
communication network by reducing the communication links between two points. Multiplexing
can be accomplished using frequency division, time division, statistical packet, and fast packet.
In the transport layer of the OSI model, the role of multiplexing is transporting data from several
applications to a single line. Multiplexer is the device of a physical layer. In the case of multiple
access methods, data link layer of OSI model is also involved. The basic multiplexer has
multiple data inputs, data selection switch, and single data output. Truth table of 2 -1 line
multiplexer processes one input when the data select input is low, and another input when the
data select input is high. For a selection of multiplexer, critical considerations include the
number of concurrent connections, media access control, number of ports, data rate, and
operating temperature. Independent efficiency tests provide a clear picture of the performance of
the multiplexers.
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References
Bouchet, O. (2013). Wireless Optical Telecommunications. John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from
http://books.google.com/books?isbn=1118562712
Dueck, R., & Reid, K. (2011). Digital Electronics. Cengage Learning. Retrieved from
http://books.google.com/books?isbn=1439060002
Hamad, O. F. (2011). Analog, Digital and Multimedia Telecommunications: Basic and Classic
http://books.google.com/books?isbn=1456810219
Iyengar, S. S., & Brooks, R. R. (2012). Distributed Sensor Networks: Sensor Networking and
http://books.google.com/books?isbn=1439862877
Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. (2011). Computer Networks: A Systems Approach. Elsevier.
http://books.google.com/books?isbn=008097063X