US Robotics Sportster Flash x2 User Manual page 38

Asynchronous Transmission
Data transmission in which the length of time between transmitted
characters may vary. Because the time lapses between transmitted
characters are not uniform, the receiving modem must be signalled as
to when the data bits of a character begin and when they end. The
addition of Start and Stop bits to each character serves this purpose.
Auto Answer
Sets the modem to pick up the phone line when it detects a certain
number of rings. See S-register (S0) in Technical Quick Reference.
Auto Dial
A process where your modem dials a call for you. The dialling process
is initiated by sending an ATDT (dial tone) or ATDP (dial pulse)
command followed by the telephone number to dial. Auto Dial is used
to dial voice numbers. See command Dn.
Baud Rate
A term used to measure the speed of an analogue transmission from
one point to another. Although not technically accurate, baud rate is
commonly used to mean bit rate.
Binary Digit
A 0 or 1, reflecting the use of the binary numbering system (only two
digits). Used because the computer recognises 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
300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14,400 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.
Buffer
A memory area used as temporary storage during input and output
operations. An example is the modem's command buffer.
34 Sportster Flash x2 - User's Guide