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binary digit
A 0 or 1, reflecting the use of the binary
numbering system (only two digits). Used
because the computer recognizes either of two
states, OFF or ON. Shortened form of binary
digit is bit.
bit rate
Also referred to as transmission rate. The
number of binary digits, or bits, transmitted
per second (bps). Communications channels
using telephone channel modems are
established at set bit rates, commonly 2400,
4800, 9600, 14,400, 28,800 and higher.
bits per second (bps)
The bits (binary digits) per second rate.
Thousands of bits per second are expressed as
kilobits per second or Kbps.
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LOSSARY
buffer
A memory area set aside to be used as
temporary storage during input and output
operations. An example is the modem's
command buffer.
byte
A group of binary digits stored and operated
upon as a unit. In user documentation, the term
usually refers to 8-bit units or characters. One
kilobyte (KB) is equal to 1,024 bytes or
characters; 640 KB indicates 655,360 bytes
or characters.
carrier
The basic tone or signal that the modem alters
(modulates) to send data.
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