Difference between multiplexer and demultiplexer

Multiplexer and demultiplexer are two common jargon in the network transmission field. This post will give you information about the difference between multiplexing and demultiplexing to better understand this topic. No matter whether you have any question about your network connection not, It is better to have a general understanding of them in case we need. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between multiplexer and demultiplexer. 

What is multiplexer?

The multiplexer is a method in which more than one signal are combined into one signal that travels on a medium.

• It has so many inputs and one output.
• People call it MUX.
• It includes data selectors. 
• In MUX the selection of particular input is controlled by a set of selection lines.
• Parallel to serial conversion.
• We don't need additional gates when designing multiplexers.
• Examples of multiplexer 8 input 1 output, 16 input 1 output, 32 input 1 output.

What is demultiplexer?

The demultiplexer is a reverse of multiplexing. In this method, a multiplexed signal is again decomposed in individual signals.

• It has one input and many outputs.
• People call it DEMUX.
• It includes data distributors. 
• In DEMUX output line selection is controlled by bit values of n selection lines.
• Serial to parallel connection.
• Additional gates are included when designing de-multiplexer.
• Examples of demultiplexer 1 input 8 output, 1 input 16 output, 1 input 32 output.

Difference between MUX and DEMUX :

• MUX and DEMUX are that multiplexers are N to 1 device but demultiplexer is 1 to N device.
• Multiplexer with the help of control signals selects the particular input that has to be transmitted at the output. Demultiplexer utilized the control signal and allows us to have multiple outputs.
• Both MUX and DEMUX are combinational logic circuit used in the communication system but their operation is exactly reverse of each other as one operates on multiple inputs and other on a single input.
• In MUX system is an increasing the efficiency of the communication system by allowing the transmission data, such as audio and video data transmission while in DEMUX receive the output signals from the multiplexer and convert them back to the original form at the receiver end.

Conclusion :

From all, that above it is easier for you to tell the difference between multiplexing and demultiplexing. Both systems are bidirectional nature but the operation of the two are exactly opposite to each other. They are the reverse process of each and it can be applied to many occasions. So we conclude that both are two technologies widely used in CWDM and DWDM. The device used for multiplexing is a multiplexer and a device used for demultiplexing is a demultiplexer. Nowadays a typical device will have both MUX and DEMUX capabilities. 

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