bits per second

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)