multiplexointiratkaisujen

Multiplexing, called multiplexointi in Finnish, is a method for combining multiple signals for simultaneous transmission over a shared medium. The goal is to use the available bandwidth more efficiently and increase system capacity while allowing each signal to be separated and recovered at the destination.

The major classes of multiplexing include time-division multiplexing (TDM), which allocates distinct time slots to each signal; frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), which assigns separate frequency bands to different signals; and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), the optical counterpart that carries multiple wavelengths on a single fiber. Code-division multiplexing (CDM) uses unique codes to distinguish signals, and statistical multiplexing dynamically allocates resources based on demand, improving utilization for variable traffic.

WDM is widely used in fiber optic networks to multiply bandwidth by routing light of different wavelengths through the same fiber. FDM and TDM are common in traditional electrical communication systems and broadcast networks. CDM underpins several wireless technologies, where signals share the same spectrum but are separated by codes. Statistical multiplexing underpins many data networks, including packet-switched systems, by prioritizing load and reducing idle capacity.

Applications span telecommunications, broadcasting, data networks, satellite communications, and modern internet backbones. Benefits include higher throughput and flexible resource use, while challenges involve synchronization, channel isolation, latency, and potential interference or crosstalk. System designers trade complexity against efficiency, often employing guard intervals, error control, and sophisticated multiplexing protocols to ensure reliable separation of signals at the receiver.