PON Key Technology TDM Time-division multiplexing
TDM is the abbreviation of Time-division multiplexing which is a method of transmitting and receiving independent signals over a common signal path by means
Time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a technique used in telecommunications and data communication to transmit multiple signals over a single communication channel. It allows multiple data streams or signals to share the same transmission medium by dividing the channel into discrete time slots.
The basic principle of time-division multiplexing is to allocate specific time intervals or slots to different sources of data, so each source takes turns in using the channel exclusively during its designated time slot. This way, multiple signals can be transmitted over the same channel without interfering with each other.
Here’s how time-division multiplexing works:
Time Slot Allocation: The available communication channel is divided into equal time slots. The duration of each time slot is typically very short, often measured in microseconds.
Data Segmentation: Data from different sources are divided into smaller packets or frames, each suitable for transmission within a single time slot.
Transmission: Each source is assigned a specific time slot during which it can send its data. The data from the different sources are transmitted one after another in a cyclical manner, forming a continuous stream of data on the channel.
Reception: At the receiving end, the multiplexed signal is demultiplexed to separate the individual data streams. Each data stream is then reconstructed based on the time slot it was assigned during transmission.
Time-division multiplexing is widely used in various applications, such as:
Voice Communication: In traditional telephony, TDM is used to multiplex multiple voice calls over a single physical telephone line.
Digital Communication: TDM is used in digital communication systems, like T1 and E1 lines, to combine multiple voice, data, or video channels into a single transmission.
Networking: Ethernet switches often use TDM techniques to handle multiple data packets simultaneously and avoid data collisions.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): DSL technology uses TDM to separate data and voice signals over a single telephone line.
Digital Television: In broadcasting, TDM is used to transmit multiple television channels over a single broadcast frequency.
Time-division multiplexing allows efficient utilization of communication channels and helps in maximizing the capacity of the transmission medium. It is important to ensure synchronization between the transmitting and receiving ends to avoid data loss or corruption during the multiplexing and demultiplexing processes.
PON tdm downlink