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TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
The multiplexer is a device that accepts multiple electronic transmission
signals and combines them into one high-speed transmission. A multiplexer, also
known as a mux, is often used to allow remote terminals to communicate with
front-end processor ports over a single circuit.
Multiplexing is a method that allows a single communications circuit to take
the place of several parallel communications circuits. Multiplexers are points
in the network where different traffics merge or segregate ‘from core to
access’ and ‘from access to core.’
This allows multiple data streams to be carried from one place to another
over one physical link, which saves cost. At the receiving end of the data link,
a complementary demultiplexer or demux is required to break the high data-rate
stream back down into the original lower rate streams. It is usual to combine a
multiplexer and a demultiplexer together into one piece of equipment and simply
refer to the whole thing as a multiplexer. Both pieces of equipment are needed
at both ends of a transmission link because most communications systems transmit
in both direction.
l Inverse Multiplexer: An
inverse multiplexer or demultiplexer allows a data stream to be broken into
multiple lower data-rate-communications links. This provides an end-to-end
connection of three times the data rate available on each of the low-rate data
links.
l Digital Subscriber Line
Access Multiplexer (DSLAM): A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM)
is the multiplexer located in the telephone company’s exchange that provides
consumers access to DSL services over twisted pair copper cabling.
The device separates the voice and data components from the subscriber lines
and aggregates the data for sending over the telephone network. The DSLAM
usually aggregates lines at a contention ratio of 50:1 or 20:1.
Alternatively, a DSLAM multiplexes the signal output by a main distribution
frame (MDF), which belong to different users, into a stream which can be
processed by an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network.
BUYING TIPS
support the speeds desired by broadband/SME/corporate customers. It should
have the flexibility to support bandwidth provisioning through speed
programmability because customers might look to increase/decrease the
speeds.
change the access circuit speed of a customer on the fly, depending on the
time-of-the-day requirements for bulk data transfer batch processing,
enquiry and response, as well as broadcasting requirements.
Media Support: The multiplexer should support
multiple options like copper, fiber, and radio in addition to point-to-point
and multipoint bandwidth provisioning. Different media support is essential
to meet speed and QoS requirements.
Support for Cards and Multiple-access Standards: Support
for different cards is necessary for future expansion of the network. The
multiplexer should also support all DSL interfaces through addition of
corresponding functional modules. It should also be capable of provisioning
both cable TV and gigabit Ethernet link.
Physical Interfaces Programming: With hierarchical
evolution of the network, its topology changes and therefore physical
interfaces on the network–both on the trunk side and the access side–require
frequent changes. Trunk interface programmability would take care of sudden
demands for bandwidth.
MARKET INFORMATION
The major players in multiplexer in the Indian market are Alcatel,
MRO-Tek, and Tellabs. With more and more telecom service providers starting to
provide multiple services through different media and access network
technologies, the demand for multiplexers has gone up.
Mutiplexers are being set up in the Class 4 and Class 5
exchanges where traffic from different sources converges into long-haul trunks.
Multiplexers are demanded not just by service providers, but also by carrier’s
carriers. These would include companies like Tata Power Broadband and Railtel,
who provide the backend infrastructure for service
providers.
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