What is multiplexing in communication systems?

Multiplexing in communication systems refers to a method that combines multiple signals into a single medium for transmission. This technique is crucial for efficiently utilizing available bandwidth and resources in communication networks. By allowing multiple signals to travel simultaneously over a shared medium, multiplexing enhances the throughput of the system and maximizes the channel's capacity.

For instance, in telephone systems, Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) enables several phone calls to be transmitted over a single wire by allocating time slots for each call. Similarly, Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) divides the medium into frequency bands, each carrying a separate signal. This ability to combine various signals is fundamental to modern communication methods, as it reduces the need for separate communication channels, leading to more efficient data transmission and resource management.