Multiplexitás

Multiplexitás is a term used in technology and social sciences to describe the presence or management of multiple signals, channels or relationships within a single system. In engineering and telecommunications it refers to methods that combine several information streams for transmission over a shared medium, commonly implemented as time-division, frequency-division, wavelength-division or code-division multiplexing. These techniques increase capacity and spectral efficiency, reduce infrastructure needs and enable simultaneous use of a communication link, while introducing design complexity and potential interference management challenges.

In social network analysis and sociology, multiplexitás (multiplexity) denotes multiple types of ties linking the same actors, such as kinship and business relations between two people. Multiplex ties often strengthen social cohesion, trust and resource access, but can also complicate role expectations and conflict resolution. Researchers quantify multiplexity using indices that count or weight overlapping relationship types to study network resilience, diffusion of information and social capital.

The term is also applied more broadly to describe systems that integrate diverse functions or services into a single entity, for example multiplex cinemas or multifunctional platforms. Its usage varies by discipline, but common themes are coexistence of multiple elements and strategies for coordination or integration. The word derives from elements meaning "many" and "interwoven," reflecting the interlaced nature of the constituent parts.