Multiplexing

Multiplexing is like having one TV with many channels. Imagine that you are watching a TV with only one channel and there is a person next to you who wants to watch a different program. So you need to change the channel every time the other person wants to watch their program. This can get tiring and inefficient.

Multiplexing solves this problem by using a special device called a multiplexer. This device takes several signals (like different TV channels) and combines them into one signal. The signal can then be transmitted over a single cable or channel, and on the other end, another device called a demultiplexer splits the signal back into multiple signals so each person can watch their own program.

For example, let's say you have four cameras recording different parts of a building. With multiplexing, you can combine these four signals into one and transmit them over a single cable to a monitoring station. At the monitoring station, the signal is split back into four signals again, and you can see what each camera recorded on a separate monitor.

Multiplexing is used in many ways, not just in TV broadcasting or surveillance camera monitoring. It is used in telecommunications, where multiple signals (like phone calls) are combined for more efficient transmission. It is also used in computer networks, where multiple data streams can be combined for faster transmission. Overall, multiplexing is a clever way of making the most out of one channel or cable by combining multiple signals into one.