In an asynchronous network, the internal clock source of each network element times its transmitted signal. Slight variations in each clock can lead to large timing variations and bit errors upon arrival and transmission. A confusing abundance of proprietary configurations made it difficult to connect equipment from different vendors. In time division multiplexing, several channels share a fiber. Each channel is assigned a time slot, and one channel at a time is transmitted through the fiber.
Capacity is increased through faster data rates and smaller time slots.
Faster TDM Upgrading the transmitter and receiver can provide a faster data rate and more capacity. Unfortunately, the faster systems are more expensive to design, test, and manufacture.