Bit
A 0 or a 1 reflecting the use of a binary numbering system (a system that consists of 2 values). This system is used because the computer only recognizes two states, off or on.
(Start/Stop bits) Signaling bits attached to a character before it is transmitted; used for asynchronous transmissions.
Bits
(Start/Stop bits) Signaling bits attached to a character before it is transmitted; used for asynchronous transmissions.
Bps
The rate in bits per second. Thousands of bits per second are expressed as kilobits.
Buffer
An area of memory used as temporary storage during input/output operations. The modem has, for example, a command buffer.
Carrier
Continuous frequency that can be modulated or act as a support to another data carrier signal. Carrier waves are generated and maintained by modems via the telephone companies' transmission lines.
Cps
Data transfer rate (Characters per second). It is generally estimated from the binary rate and the length of characters. For example, at 2400 bits/s,
62 Sportster Winmodem 33600 & x2/56K - User's manual