Chapter No: 2

MULTIPLEXING AND SWITCHING

Multiplexing and De-multiplexing
• To combine multiple signals (analog or digital) for transmission over a single line or media.
• A common type of multiplexing combines several low-speed signals for transmission over a
single high-speed connection.
• Multiplexing is done by using a device called Multiplexer (MUX) that combines n input
lines to generate one output line i.e. (many to one). Therefore multiplexer (MUX) has
several inputs and one output.
• At the receiving end, a device called Demultiplexer (DEMUX) is used that separates signal
into its component signals. So DEMUX has one input and several outputs.

Concept of Multiplexing

 As shown in fig multiplexer takes 4 input lines and diverts them to single output line.
 The signal from 4 different devices is combined and carried by this single line.
 At the receiving side, a demultiplexer takes this signal from a single line & breaks it into
the original signals and passes them to the 4 different receivers.

Advantages of Multiplexing

 If no multiplexing is used between the users at two different sites that are distance apart,
then separate communication lines would be required as shown in fig.
 This is not only costly but also become difficult to manage. If multiplexing is used then,
only one line is required. This leads to the reduction in the line cost and also it would be
easier to keep track of one line than several lines.
 More than one signal can be sent over a single medium.
 The bandwidth of a medium can be utilized effectively.
Why to use Multiplexing?

• If there are multiple signals to share one medium, then the medium must be divided in
such a way that each signal is given some portion of the available bandwidth.
• For example: If there are 10 signals and bandwidth of medium is100 units, then the 10
unit is shared by each signal.
• When multiple signals share the common medium, there is a possibility of collision.
Multiplexing concept is used to avoid such collision.
Types of Multiplexing

Question: Define Multiplexing. State its Types. (2 marks)

Answer:
• Multiplexing is the process in which multiple data streams, coming from different
sources, are combined and transmitted over a single data channel or data stream.
• The following three major multiplexing techniques:
• Frequency division multiplexing
• Wavelength division multiplexing
• Time division multiplexing
•
Question: State advantages of multiplexing. (2 Marks)
Answer: Advantages of multiplexing:
1. Simple and easy
2. Large capacities and scalable.
3. Signals from different sources can be sent together through a single common channel.
4. Signals may have varying speed.
Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
 Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM) is a scheme in which numerous signals are
combined for transmission on a single communications line or channel.

 It is analog technique. Each signal is assigned a different frequency (sub channel) within
the main channel.

 FDM requires that the bandwidth of a link should be greater than the combined
bandwidths of the various signals to be transmitted. Thus each signal having different
frequency forms a particular logical channel on the link and follows this channel only.
These channels are then separated by the strips of unused bandwidth called guard bands.
These guard bands prevent the signals from overlapping as shown in Fig.

 In FDM, signals to be transmitted must be analog signals. Thus digital signals need to
be converted to analog form, if they are to use FDM.

 A typical analog Internet connection via a twisted pair telephone line requires approximately
three kilohertz (3 kHz) of bandwidth for accurate and reliable data transfer.

 Twisted-pair lines are common in households and small businesses. But major telephone cables,
operating between large businesses, government agencies, and municipalities, are capable of
much larger bandwidths.

FDM Process
  In FDM, signals generated by each sending device modulate different carrier
frequencies. These modulated signals are then combined into a single composite signal
that can be transported by the link.
 Carrier frequencies are separated by sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the
modulated signal.
 These bandwidth ranges are the channels through which the various signals travel.
 Channels can be separated by strips of unused bandwidth guard bands to prevent
signals from overlapping.

Figure: Multiplexing Process :

Figure: De-multiplexing Process:

Question: Five channels, each with a 100-kHz bandwidth, are to be multiplexed together. What is
the minimum bandwidth of the link if there is a need for a guard band of 10 kHz between the
channels to prevent interference? (4 Marks)

Answer:

• For five channels, we need at least four guard bands. This means that the required
bandwidth is at least

• 5 × 100 + 4 × 10 = 540 kHz

Question: Five channels each with 200kHz bandwidth are multiplexed using FDM. Find minimum
bandwidth of the link if guard band of 10kHz is used. (4Marks)

Answer:

• Five channels each with 200 kHz bandwidth are multiplexed using FDM.
• For five channels, we need at least four guard bands.
• Guard Bands of 10 KHz is used.
• This means that the required bandwidth is at least :
• 5*200+4*10=1040 KHz.

Advantages of FDM:

1. A large number of signals (channels) can be transmitted simultaneously.

2. FDM does not need synchronization between its transmitter and receiver for proper
operation.
3. Demodulation of FDM is easy.
4. Due to slow narrow band fading only a single channel gets affected.
Disadvantages of FDM:

1. The communication channel must have a very large bandwidth.

2. Intermodulation distortion takes place.
3. Large number of modulators and filters are required.
4. FDM suffers from the problem of crosstalk.
5. All the FDM channels get affected due to wideband fading.
Applications of FDM

• FDM is used for FM & AM radio broadcasting.

• FDM is used in television broadcasting.
• First generation cellular telephone also uses FDM.

Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
• Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is designed to use the high-data-rate capability
of fiber-optic cable.
• The optical fiber data rate is higher than the data rate of metallic transmission cable, but
using a fiber-optic cable for a single line wastes the available bandwidth.
• WDM is conceptually the same as FDM, except that the multiplexing and Demultiplexing
involve optical signals transmitted through fiber-optic channels. The difference is that the
frequencies are very high.
• WDM is an analog multiplexing technique.
• In WDM different signals are optical or light signals that are transmitted through optical
fiber.
• Various light waves from different sources are combined to form a composite light signal
that is transmitted across the channel to the receiver.
• At the receiver side, this composite light signal is broken into different light waves by
Demultiplexer.
• The Combining and the Splitting of light waves is done by using a PRISM. Prism bends beam of
light based on the angle of incidence and the frequency of light wave.

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM):

 TDM is the digital multiplexing technique.
 In TDM, the channel/link is divided on the basis of time.
 Total time available in the channel is divided between several users. Each user is allotted a
particular a time interval called time slot or time slice during which the data is transmitted
by that user.
 Thus each sending device takes control of entire bandwidth of the channel for fixed
amount of time.
 Each user is allotted a particular time interval called time slot or slice.
 In TDM the data rate capacity of the transmission medium should be greater than the data
rate required by sending or receiving devices.
 All the signals to be transmitted are not transmitted simultaneously. Instead, they are
transmitted one-by-one. Thus each signal will be transmitted for a very short time. One
cycle or frame is said to be complete when all the signals are transmitted once on the
transmission channel.
 The TDM system can be used to multiplex analog or digital signals, however it is more
suitable for the digital signal multiplexing.
 The TDM signal in the form of frames is transmitted on the common communication
medium.
Types of TDM
1. Synchronous TDM and
2. Statistical (Asynchronous) TDM

Question: Explain process of synchronous time division multiplexing with its

advantages. (4 Marks)

1. Synchronous TDM (STDM)

 In synchronous TDM, each device is given same time slot to transmit the data over the
link, irrespective of the fact that the device has any data to transmit or not. Hence the name
Synchronous TDM.
 Synchronous TDM requires that the total speed of various input lines should not exceed the
capacity of path.
 Each device places its data onto the link when its time slot arrives i.e. each device is given
the possession of line turn by turn.
 If any device does not have data to send then its time slot remains empty.
 The various time slots are organized into frames and each frame consists of one or more
time slots dedicated to each sending device.
 If there are n sending devices, there will be n slots in frame i.e. one slot for each device. As
show in fig, there are 3 input devices, so there are 3 slots in each frame.
 If there is no data to be transmitted, the buffer will be empty but still the turn of the node
will come.
Advantages of Synchronous TDM :

 Relatively simple
 An order of data is maintained
 No addressing information is required, channel capacity should be large.
 Commonly used with ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

Disadvantages of Synchronous TDM :

1. The channel capacity cannot be fully utilized. Some of the slots go empty in certain frames.
2. The capacity of single communication line that is used to carry the various transmission
should be greater than the total speed of input lines.

2. Asynchronous TDM or statistical TDM

Question: Explain the process of asynchronous TDM with example.

 It is also known as statistical time division multiplexing.

 Asynchronous TDM is called so because is this type of multiplexing, time slots are not
fixed i.e. the slots are flexible. Here, the total speed of input lines can be greater than the
capacity of the path.
 In synchronous TDM, if we have n input lines then there are n slots in one frame. But in
asynchronous it is not so. If we have n input lines then the frame contains not more than m
slots, with m less than n (m < n).
 The number of time slots in a frame is based on a statistical analysis of number of input
lines.
 In this system slots are not predefined, the slots are allocated to any of device that has data
to send.
 The multiplexer scans the various input lines, accepts the data from the lines that have data
to send, fills the frame and then sends the frame across the link.
 If there are not enough data to fill all the slots in a frame, then the frames are transmitted
partially filled.
 Asynchronous Time Division Multiplexing is depicted in fig. Here we have five input lines
and three slots per frame. In Case 1, only three out of five input lines place data onto the
link i.e. number of input lines and number of slots per frame are same. In Case 2, four out of
five input lines are active. Here number of input line is one more than the number of slots
per frame.
 In Case 3, all five input lines are active. In all these cases, multiplexer scans the various
lines in order and fills the frames and transmits them across the channel.
 The distribution of various slots in the frames is not symmetrical. In case 2, device 1
occupies first slot in first frame, second slot in second frame and third slot in third frame.
Advantages of TDM :

1. Full available channel bandwidth can be utilized for each channel.

2. lnter modulation distortion is absent.
3. TDM circuitry is not very complex.
4. The problem of crosstalk is not severe.

Disadvantages of TDM :

1. Synchronization is essential for proper operation.

2. Due to slow narrowband fading, all the TDM channels may get wiped out.

Comparison of FDM and TDM

PARAMETER TDM FDM

Definition TDM is the transmission FDM is the transmission technique in
technique in which different which different signal are transmitted over
signal are transmitted over a a common channel and each signal
common channel and each signal occupies different slot within that
occupies entire range of bandwidth of the frequency domain.
bandwidth in the time domain.
Stands For Time-Division Multiplexing Frequency-Division Multiplexing
Useful for TDM can be used for both Analog FDM can be used for Analog signals only.
and Digital signals.
Synchronizatio TDM requires Synchronization. not required Synchronization.
n
Circuit circuitry is very simple to built. FDM circuitry is very complex.
Cross Talk TDM is not sensitive for Cross FDM suffers from the cross talk immunity
Talk (Noise Immunity) due to Bandpass Filter.
Requirement TDM requires sync pulse for its FDM requires Guard bands for its
operation. operation.
Effiecient TDM is more efficient and is FDM is less efficient compared to TDM.
widely used technique in
multiplexing.
Applications TDM is used in Pulse code FDM is used in TV and RADIO
modulation. broadcasting.
Switched network
• Transmission of data beyond a local area, communication is typically achieved by
transmitting data from source to destination through a network of intermediate switching
nodes.
• Networks are used to interconnect many devices or stations.
• The stations may be computers, terminals, telephones, or other communicating devices.
• Long distance transmission between stations is typically done over a network of switching
nodes.
• Switching nodes do not concern with content of data. Their purpose is to provide a
switching facility that will move the data from node to node until they reach their
destination (the end device).
• In a switched communications network, data entering the network from a station are routed
to the destination by being switched from node to node.

Switching Nodes:
• Nodes may connect to other nodes, or to some stations.
• Network is usually partially connected
• there is not a direct link between every possible pair of nodes.
• However, some redundant connections are desirable for reliability
Types of Switching

Circuit Switching
 Circuit Switching is used in public telephone networks.
 Telephone network provides telephone service which involves the two way, real-time
transmission of voice signals across a network.
 The network connection allows electrical current and the associated voice signal to flow
between the two users.
 These networks are connection oriented because they require setting up of a connection
before the actual transfer of information can take place.
 The transfer mode of a network that involves setting up a dedicated end to end
connection is called Circuit Switching.
 Communication via circuit switching has three phases:
1. Circuit establishment (link by link)
 Routing & resource allocation (FDM or TDM)
2. Data transfer
3. Circuit disconnect
 Deallocate the dedicated resources
Phases of Operation in Circuit Switching
Communication via Circuit switching takes place over three phases of operation:

1. Circuit Establishment – In a circuit switching network, before any signal is

transmitted, it is necessary to establish an end-to-end link. The node to node links are
usually multiplexed by using FDM or TDM.

 For example consider above figure, station A sends a request to node-4 requesting a
connection to station E.
 Typically, the link from A to 4 is a dedicated line node 4 must find the next route
leading to E node 4 selects the link to node 5 and so on then sends a message
requesting connection to E.
 Thus, a dedicated path has been established from A-4-5-6-E

2. Data Transfer -After establishing a connection actual transfer of information can take
place. It can be analog or digital depending on the nature of network.
 Data can now be transmitted from A through the network to E.
 The path is A-4 link, internal switching through 4, 4-5 channel, internal switching
through 5, 5-6 channel, internal switching through 6, 6-E link. Generally, the
connection is full duplex.

3. Circuit disconnect (Teardown) : After some time the connection between two users
is terminated usually by the action of one or two stations.Signals must be propagated to
nodes 4, 5, and 6 to deallocate the dedicated resources.

Advantages :
 The dedicated transmission channel provides a guaranteed data rate.
 Because of dedicated path there is no delay in data flow.
 This method is suitable for long continuous transmission.
Disadvantages :
 Since the connection is dedicated it cannot be used to transmit any other data even if the
channel is free.
 Dedicated channels require more bandwidth.
 It takes more time to establish connection.
Message Switching
 With message switching there is no need to establish a dedicated path between two stations.
 When a station sends a message, the destination address is appended to the message.
 The message is then transmitted through the network, in its entirety, from node to node.
 Each node receives the entire message, stores it in its entirety on disk, and then transmits the
message to the next node.
 This type of network is called a store-and-forward network.

• A message-switching node is typically a computer.

• The device needs sufficient secondary-storage capacity to store the incoming messages.
• A time delay is introduced using this type of scheme due to store- and-forward time,
plus the time required to find the next node in the transmission path.

Advantages:
• Channel efficiency can be greater compared to circuit switched systems, because more
devices are sharing the channel.
• Traffic congestion can be reduced, because messages may be temporarily stored in route.
• Message priorities can be established due to store-and-forward technique.
• Message broadcasting can be achieved with the use of broadcast address appended in the
message.
Disadvantages

• Message switching is not compatible with interactive applications.

• Store-and-forward devices are expensive, because they must have large disks to hold
potentially long messages.
Packet Switching
 In Packet Switching, messages are broken up into packets, each of which includes a header
with source, destination and intermediate node address information.
 Packet switching can be seen as a solution that tries to combine the advantages of message
and circuit switching.
 There are two methods of packet switching:
o Datagram and
o virtual circuit.

 In packet switching methods, a message is broken into small parts, called packets.
 Each packet is tagged with appropriate source and destination addresses.
 Since packets have a strictly defined maximum length, they can be stored in main memory
instead of disk, therefore access delay and cost are minimized.
 Also the transmission speeds, between nodes, are optimized.
 With current technology, packets are generally accepted onto the network on a first-come,
first-served basis.

Advantages:
 Better utilization of the network segments in terms of the usage of the network path.
 If a certain link goes down during the transmission, the remaining packets can be sent
through another route.
 Since many users can share transmission resources efficiently, the cost of intermittent data
communication is reduced.

Disadvantages:
 Variable transmission delays caused by packet processing and packet queues at packet
switches.
 Some packet-switching networks support variable packet sizes; this contributes to longer
packet processing times at packet switches.
 Sometimes packet may not arrive at their destination in the order in which they were
originally transmitted
Datagram packet Switching
 Each message is divided into a stream of packets. Each packet is separately addressed and
treated as an independent unit with its own control instructions.
 The switching devices route each packet independently through the network, with each
intermediate node determining the packet’s next route segment.
 Before transmission starts, the sequence of packets and there are established by the
exchange of control information between the sending terminal, the network and the
receiving terminal.
 Resources are not allocated for any packet so there is no reserved bandwidth.
 The switches in datagram network are referred to as routers.
 No dedicated connection is established between the sender and the receiver, so this network
is called as connectionless network.
 Datagram packet switching operates at network layer

Advantages:
 No call setup phase required.
 More flexible because routing can be used to avoid congested port of the network.
 Cheaper in cost.

Disadvantages:
 Packets are forwarded slowly as compare to the Virtual circuit approach.
Virtual Circuit Packet Switching
 It establishes a logical connection between the sending and receiving devices called Virtual
circuit.
 The sending device starts the conversation by communicating with the receiving device and
agreeing as communication parameters, such as maximum message size and the path to be
taken.
 Once this virtual circuit is established; the two devices use it for the rest of the conversation.
 All packets travel through the logical connection established between the sending device
and the receiving device.
 Similar to circuit switched network, there are setup and teardown phases along with the
data transfer phase.
 Virtual circuit is established in the data link layer.
 Virtual Circuit Identifier(VCI) is a small number which is used by a frame between two
switches.

Three phases of communication

 A source and destination have to undergo three phases to communicate between each other,
they are:

1. Set up
2. Data Transfer
3. Teardown
 Set up Phase:
o In the Set up phase a switch creates an entry for a virtual circuit by following two
approaches-

i) Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC)

ii) Switched Virtual Circuit (SVC)
i) Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) –
 The PVC is like a leased telephone line between two parties. One party can pick up the
phone and talk to the other one without dialing.
 A source and destination choose to have a PVC between them.
 Then the corresponding table entries are recorded for all the switches.

ii) Switched Virtual Circuit (SVC) –

 In SVC a temporary connection is established between the source and destination.
 This connection exists only when the data is to be transferred.