What is bit rate? - Definition from Whatis.com

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bit rate

In digital telecommunication, the bit rate is the number of bits that pass a given point in a telecommunication network in a given amount of time, usually a second. Thus, a bit rate is usually measured in some multiple of bits per second - for example, kilobits, or thousands of bits per second (Kbps). The term bit rate is a synonym for data transfer rate (or simply data rate). Bit rate seems to be used more often when discussing transmission technology details and data transfer rate (or data rate) when comparing transmission technologies for the end user.

Related glossary terms: online, IT Survival Kit: Networking refreshers, downstream, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), connection, wavelength, active network, ARPANET, frame, ELF (extremely low frequency)

This was last updated in February 2000

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