communications, unit (bps, b/s) The unit in which
datarate is measured.
For example, a
modem's data rate is usually measured in
kilobits per second. In 1996, the maximum modem speed for
use on the
PSTN was 33.6 kbps, rising to 56 kbps in 1997.
Note that kilo- (k), mega- (M), etc. in data rates denote
powers of 1000, not 1024.
(2002-03-23)