An inverse multiplexer, or IMUX, is a device designed to take one high-speed data transmission and split it into several lower-speed transmissions. It also can do the opposite, which is to combine several low-speed transmissions into one high-speed transmission. This device is commonly used to send LAN traffic and videoconferencing over slower digital channels.
How Does It Work?
An inverse multiplexer takes a single high-speed transmission, such as a T3 line, and splits it into several lower-speed transmissions. Say you want to transmit Ethernet over a T3 line, which has a maximum speed of 45 Mbps. Using inverse multiplexing, you can divide the T3 line into multiple streams of 64 Kbps, which can be combined to form a single 10 Mbps Ethernet channel. This allows you to make the most of your available bandwidth.
The opposite process is also possible. You can use inverse multiplexing to combine several low-speed transmissions, like six 56 Kbps channels, into one high-speed transmission, like a 336 Kbps videoconferencing stream.
What’s the Difference Between an Inverse Multiplexer and a Demultiplexer?
Both devices can divide data streams into multiple channels, but there is a key difference. Inverse multiplexers produce several interrelated output streams, while demultiplexers produce separate output streams. Inverse multiplexers are used when you want to combine multiple low-speed channels into one high-speed channel or to divide one high-speed channel into several low-speed channels. Demultiplexers are used when you want to separate one high-speed channel into multiple low-speed channels.
FAQs
What kind of applications use inverse multiplexers?
Inverse multiplexers are commonly used for applications where high-speed data transmissions need to be sent over slower digital channels, such as LAN traffic and videoconferencing.
What are the benefits of using an inverse multiplexer?
The main benefit of using an inverse multiplexer is that you can make the most of your available bandwidth. By dividing a high-speed transmission into multiple streams, you can transmit more data over a slower digital channel. Conversely, by combining several low-speed channels, you can send more data over a high-speed channel.
What’s the difference between inverse multiplexing and channel bonding?
Inverse multiplexing and channel bonding are similar in that they enable you to combine multiple channels into one transmission. The difference is that channel bonding usually refers to combining multiple channels of the same type, like multiple DSL lines, while inverse multiplexing can be used to combine different types of channels, like Ethernet and T3 lines.
Conclusion
An inverse multiplexer is a useful tool for transmitting high-speed data over slower digital channels by dividing one high-speed transmission into several lower-speed transmissions. It is commonly used for LAN traffic and videoconferencing. Using an inverse multiplexer can help you make the most of your available bandwidth and improve the efficiency of your network.
