Drop and insert
In a multichannel transmission system, a drop and insert is a process that diverts (drops) a portion of the multiplexed aggregate signal at an intermediate point, and introduces (inserts) a different signal for subsequent transmission in the same position, e.g., time slot or frequency band, previously occupied by the diverted signal.
The diverted signal may be demodulated or reinserted into another transmission system in the same or another time slot or frequency band.
The time slot or frequency band vacated by the diverted signal need not necessarily be reoccupied by another signal. Likewise, a previously unoccupied time slot or frequency band may be occupied by a signal inserted at the drop-and-insert point.
Signals not of interest at the drop-and-insert point are not diverted.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C" (in support of MIL-STD-188).