Which multiplexing technique divides the available bandwidth into fixed-size time slots?

The Correct answer is Time Division Multiplexing (TDM).

Key Points

• Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is a technique that divides bandwidth into fixed time slots, allowing multiple data streams to share a single channel.
• Time Slots: Each source transmits data in its designated slot.
• Synchronization: Ensures accurate time slot allocation between sender and receiver.
• Applications: Widely used in telephony to transmit multiple voice calls over one line.

Additional Information

• Multiplexing is a technique that allows multiple signals from different sources to share a single communication channel, optimizing bandwidth utilization.

Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)

• Divides the bandwidth of a communication medium into multiple frequency channels.
• Used in radio and television transmission.
• Requires guard bands to prevent inter-channel cross-talk.

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM):

• Allocates time slots to different data streams instead of dividing bandwidth.
• Used in digital communication systems.
• Types of TDM:
  • Synchronous TDM: Assigns fixed slots, leading to inefficiency if no data is available.
  • Statistical (Asynchronous) TDM: Dynamically allocates slots, improving bandwidth efficiency.

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM):

• Enhances optical fiber capacity by transmitting multiple signals at different wavelengths.
• Used in telecommunications, ISPs, and data centers.
• Types of WDM:
  • Dense WDM (DWDM): Supports up to 80 channels with narrow wavelength spacing.
  • Coarse WDM (CWDM): Supports up to 18 channels with wider wavelength spacing.