- 2071 Shrawan · 3 marks
Multiplexing vs multiple access
Short answer
Multiplexing combines signals from one location into a single link using a central multiplexer, with static allocation (e.g., FDM, TDM). Multiple access lets geographically distributed stations share a medium via a protocol (FDMA, TDMA, CDMA), with dynamic channel allocation. Multiplexing is physical layer; multiple access is MAC sublayer.
What are the differences between multiplexing and multiple access?
Both allow many users to share a medium, but they work at different places and for different purposes.
Multiplexing combines several signals at one location (a MUX device) into one link; the sharing is fixed and the signals all come from one point, e.g. a telephone exchange multiplexer.
Multiple access lets many separate, geographically distributed stations share a common channel, each transmitting independently; a protocol decides who may use the channel, e.g. mobile phones sharing a cell.
| Point | Multiplexing | Multiple access |
|---|---|---|
| Location of users | Same place, at one MUX | Distributed in different places |
| Control | Central, fixed by the multiplexer | Distributed protocol / base station |
| Channel allocation | Static | Static or dynamic (on demand) |
| Aim | Efficient use of a link | Sharing of a medium |
| Layer | Physical layer | MAC sublayer / physical |
| Examples | FDM, TDM, WDM | FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, CSMA, ALOHA |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5
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