Skip to main content

Define switching and multiplexing

Short answer

Switching connects input lines to correct output lines at network nodes to route data without direct links, with types circuit, packet, and message switching. Multiplexing combines multiple signals onto one shared link using FDM, TDM, or WDM to improve bandwidth use.

Define switching and multiplexing.

Switching

Switching is the technique of connecting the many input lines of a network node to the correct output line so that data can travel from the source to the destination across a network without a direct link between every pair of devices. The three main types are circuit switching, packet switching and message switching.

Multiplexing

Multiplexing is the technique of combining several signals from many users into one signal that is carried over a single shared link (the multiplexer, MUX, combines them and the demultiplexer, DEMUX, separates them at the other end). It makes better use of bandwidth and reduces cable cost.

Types:

  • FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing) for analog signals: each signal gets its own frequency band.
  • TDM (Time Division Multiplexing): each signal gets a time slot (synchronous or statistical).
  • WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing): different light wavelengths over fibre.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

Related questions

All Computer Networks and Security chapter 2 questions →