A multiplexer is a device that takes multiple analog signals and forwards the selected input into a single line. As the old saying goes, sharing is caring. It still holds true today, whether you’re splitting the last doughnut in the office, or sharing input signals for a device. In that case, having a multiplexer is a very handy thing indeed. At their core, multiplexers can be used to increase the total data transmitted over the network by allowing several connections over a single channel. This increases the efficiency of transmitting various signal types. From digital and video to analog and optical, these devices increase the scalability of your data transfer and help your organization reduce costs.
If you want greater communications flexibility and better management of your routers, hubs, or server farms, a multiplexer is the way to go. However, there are some things to bear in mind when you’re purchasing them. Different multiplexers are rated for different networks and sizes of the networks... —such as LAN, WAN, or MAN. Other things that you should keep in mind are operating temperatures, access control ports, and data rates—all of which can affect the operability of your device.
There are a few types of multiplexers that are also important to research to ensure that you get the best solution for your operation. A couple of examples are time division multiplexers, which give equal time to each incoming signal, and add/drop multiplexers, which give you the option of dropping low bandwidth signals. Knowing exactly which one you want can mean the difference between an effective network and one that is significantly slower than what you were planning for.
If you’re looking to figure out what kind of multiplexer is right for your organization, Connection’s team of experts can provide you with the information that you need to make the most effective decision. Not only do we carry top-of-the-line multiplexers, but we have the knowledge to ensure that you get the right fit. Reach out to us! We’re only a call or click away.