What is multiplexing in networking?

Multiplexing takes multiple streams of segmented data and interleaves them over the same link, so many conversations share the network at once; port numbers sort each segment back to the right application.

* Two applications' segments interleaved onto one shared link by port number. *

Allows multiple conversations to share the same network simultaneously.

How it works:

1. Data from different applications is segmented
2. Segments are interleaved onto the network
3. Port numbers identify which application each segment belongs to
4. At destination, segments are sorted back to correct applications

Example:

App A: A1, A2, A3
App B: B1, B2, B3
Transmitted: A1, B1, A2, B2, A3, B3 (interleaved)

Memory aid: Multiple streams sharing one pipe — like cars from several on-ramps interleaving onto one highway.

Go deeper:

• Multiplexing — combining multiple signals/streams over one shared medium.
• Transport layer — multiplexing via ports — how port numbers sort segments back to the right application.