What term describes a communication method that allows multiple users to share the same bandwidth?

The term that describes a communication method allowing multiple users to share the same bandwidth is multiplexing. This technique enables multiple signals to be transmitted over a single communication channel, optimizing the use of the available bandwidth. By using various methods such as Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), multiplexing can effectively manage how different data streams share the medium, ensuring efficient and simultaneous transmission of information.

In the context of communication systems, multiplexing is essential because it enhances capacity and efficiency. For example, in a telephone network, multiple calls can be transmitted over a single pair of wires without interference, thanks to multiplexing techniques that separate the signals.

Other terms provided, like token ring and modulation, refer to specific network topologies and signal processing methods rather than bandwidth sharing techniques. Frequency division is related to multiplexing but is a specific type rather than a general term for all methods that allow sharing of bandwidth. Thus, multiplexing is the most accurate and comprehensive term for describing the method in question.