What advantage does multiplexing provide in communication systems?

Multiplexing is a critical technique in communication systems that enables the simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams over a single communication channel. This is achieved by combining several signals into one signal, typically through methods like time-division multiplexing (TDM) or frequency-division multiplexing (FDM).

The primary advantage of this approach lies in its efficiency. By allowing multiple signals to share the same medium, multiplexing maximizes the use of available bandwidth and reduces the need for additional physical infrastructure. This not only lowers costs but also improves the overall system capacity and performance, as it can transmit more data in less time.

So, when considering the options provided, the ability to transmit various data streams at the same time is indeed the most significant advantage, distinguishing multiplexing as a vital component of modern communication systems.