- See also phase-shift keying (PSK).
Frequency-shift keying (FSK) is a method of transmitting digital signals. The two binary states,
logic 0 (low) and 1 (high), are each represented by an analog
waveform. Logic 0 is represented by a wave at a specific frequency, and logic 1 is represented by a wave
at a different frequency. A modem converts
the binary data from a computer to FSK for transmission over telephone lines, cables, optical fiber, or wireless media. The modem also converts incoming FSK signals
to digital low and high states, which the computer can "understand."

The FSK mode was introduced for use with mechanical teleprinters in the
mid-1900s. The standard speed of those machines was 45 baud, equivalent to about 45 bits per second. When personal computers
became common and networks came into being, this signaling speed was tedious. Transmission of
large text documents and programs took hours; image transfer was unknown. During the
1970s, engineers began to develop modems that ran at faster speeds, and the quest for
ever-greater bandwidth has continued ever
since. Today, a standard telephone modem operates at thousands of bits per second.
Cable and wireless modems work at more than 1,000,000 bps (one megabit per second or 1
Mbps), and optical fiber modems function at many Mbps. But the basic principle of FSK
has not changed in more than half a century.
 |
Learn more about Network Administration |
| Networking FAQ: These FAQs for networking will help you learn networking basics. |
| Network user management: Use this guide to learn how to manage problem users on your network -- from un-savvy Internet novices to toxic bosses -- to keep your network secure. |
| Troubleshooting -- 'Network Know-How' Chapter 17: Troubleshooting, Chapter 17 of 'Network Know-How,' shows tools and methods that identify and solve network problems. Use this chapter as a tutorial to fixing computer connections. |
| Network management frameworks: FCAPS and ITIL: Network management is a complex topic. Thus far, two frameworks exist that can be of some use for understanding and taming network management: FCAPS and ITIL. |
| Networking podcasts: Listen to our networking podcasts and learn more about technologies you need to know to keep your network running smoothly. |
| The IT Guy: Networking comics: In our networking comic series, the IT guy and his office coworkers encounter day-to-day network challenges. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
27 Jul 2001
|
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