Optimizing the use of fiber with multiplexer
A WDM multiplexer, sometimes referred to as a mux, is the key to optimizing, or maximizing, the use of the fiber. The multiplexer lies at the heart of the operation, gathering all the data streams together to be transported simultaneously over a single fiber. It does this by taking multiple input signals and combining – multiplexing – them together on to a single, common line output. The multiplexed signal can now be transmitted on a single fiber or fiber pair over the optical network. At the other end of the fiber, the streams are demultiplexed, i.e. separated into different channels again.
So, multiplexers allow you to split one single cable into multiple traffic channels and simultaneously transport multiple data channels over it – much like adding new lanes on an expressway to make traffic more efficient. You get more flexibility in terms of the volume of traffic and the type of data you want to transmit.
Since they’re usually positioned at the end points in a network, multiplexers are often referred to as terminal muxes. When connecting two sites, a multiplexer is positioned at each site, creating a point-to-point connection.