How does frequency division multiplexing (FDM) operate?

Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) operates by combining multiple signals over a single communication medium. In this method, each signal is assigned a unique frequency band within the overall bandwidth of the channel. By doing so, multiple signals can be transmitted simultaneously without interference, as each signal occupies its own portion of the frequency spectrum.

This separation by frequency allows for efficient use of the available bandwidth, ensuring that various forms of data, such as audio, video, and other types of information, can be sent across the same medium at the same time. This technique is widely used in radio and television broadcasting, as well as in various telecommunications applications.

By focusing specifically on the assignment of distinct frequency ranges to individual signals, FDM effectively manages to facilitate concurrent transmissions while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing cross-talk between the different channels. This makes it a vital concept in communication systems.