ing capacity. Thus, network capacity is not wasted during pauses in voice or data traffic. www.TechnicalPDF.com Statistical Multiplexing: Efficient Utilization via Prioritization of Network Services Statistical multiplexers do not guarantee capacity for each device connected to them. Rather, they transmit voice, data, and images on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as there is capacity. Ethernet, the protocol used in local area networks, Wi-Fi networks, and broadband networks is an example of statistical multiplexing. Unlike time division multiplexing, statistical multiplexing is asynchronous. A particular amount of capacity is not dedicated to individual devices. Rather, capacity is allocated asynchronously, on demand, when requested in an uneven manner. Statistical multiplexers can be used in a Wide Area Network (WAN) to connect customers to the Internet. It is also the most common method of accessing LANs within buildings. The Ethernet protocol uses statistical multiplexing for access to LANs. On Ethernet LANs, if more than one device attempts to access the LAN simultaneously, there is a collision and the devices try again later. Ethernet gear and software is used for LAN access and is located in each network-connected device, such as a printer, computer, or security monitor. Statistical multiplexers support more devices and traffic than TDMs because they don't need to save capacity when a device is not active. Carriers sell WAN Internet access via carrier Gigabit Ethernet offerings, supporting a range of speeds from 10Mbps to 100 Gbps. If there is a surge in traffic, such as during peak times, the carrier can temporarily slow down traffic. However, because Gigabit Ethernet's statistical multiplexing has the capability to prioritize traffic, customers who contract for more costly, high-priority service can obtain higher capacity than customers with lower-priority service during traffic spikes. Other types of multiplexing in addition to statistical multiplexing include dense wavelength division, a form 