What Is a Fiber-Optic Multiplexer?

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A fiber-optic multiplexer is a device that
processes two or more light signals through a single optical fiber, in order to
increase the amount of information that can be carried through a network. Light
wavelengths are narrow beams that ricochet through reflective optical tubing,
sometimes over long distances, to provide instantaneous electronic signal
processing at the speed of light. Multiplexers work by increasing a fiber’s
transmission capacity using different techniques and light source technologies.
When the signal arrives at its destination, a demultiplexer separates the data
streams. Using a multiplexer also allows data to be sent farther, more
securely, and with less electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

 

Also known as a mux, the fiber-optic multiplexer
saves time and cost by squeezing more information through the optical network
pathway. It is possible to split signals by varying the schedule or period of
each transmission. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) combines multiple signals
by rapidly alternating between them so that only one is transmitting at any
given time. Statistical Time Division Multiplexing (STDM) assigns each signal a
specific time slot in order to optimize bandwidth usage. Further techniques
include divisions of wavelength and frequency.

 

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
utilizes the total available pass band of an optical fiber. It assigns
individual information streams different wavelengths, or portions of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Similarly, Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
assigns each signal a different frequency. Carrier frequencies contain the
signal while unused guard frequencies provide buffering to reduce interference.
This helps minimize audible and visual noise and preserves the integrity of the
original signal throughout the network.

 

Fiber-optic
multiplexer technology serves single-mode and
multimode optical fibers with multichannel rack mount or standalone units. This
makes mixing channels with different configurations possible for a range of
interface combinations. These devices provide stronger, more reliable
transmissions in areas that have a lot of electromagnetic, radio frequency, or
lightning interference.

 

As technology improves and information
needs grow to fill the capacities of existing networks, equipment such as the
fiber-optic multiplexer lessens the need to upgrade the fiber-optic
infrastructure itself. Multiplexers permit new configurations of transmission
protocols by increasing the amount of wavelengths or frequencies of light
signals. By upgrading repeaters and terminal equipment, existing network
transmission capacity can expand with demand.

 

Used by cellular carriers, Internet service
providers, public utilities, and businesses, fiber-optic multiplexer technology
extends the reach and power of telecommunications technologies. Network
management systems allow for system service and maintenance, and provide for
security, fault management, and system configuration. With advantages like
lower costs and longer life expectancies, current fiber-optical networks are
aided by improvements in multiplexing technology, and may provide light speed
data transmission well into the future.