56 KBPS

Domain	Definition
Computing	56 kbps (56 kilobits per second) The data capacity of a normal single channel digital telephone channel in North America. The figure is derived from the bandwidth of 4 kHz allocated for such a channel and the 16-bit encoding (4000 times 16 = 64000) used to change analogue signals to digital, minus the 8000 bit/s used for signalling and supervision. At the end of 1997 there were two rival modem designs capable of this rate: k56flex and US Robotics' X2. In February 1998 the ITU proposed a 56kbps standard called V.90, which is expected to be formally approved during September 1998. (1998-09-15). Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Specialty Definition: 56 kbps

56 kbps (56 kilobits per second, correctly 56 kbit/s) is the data capacity of a normal single channel digital telephone line in North America. The figure is derived from the bandwidth of 4 kHz allocated for such a channel and the 16-bit encoding (4000 times 16 = 64000) used to change analogue signals to digital, minus the 8000 bit/s used for signalling and supervision.

At the end of 1997 there were two rival modem designs capable of this rate: k56flex and US Robotics' X2. In February 1998 the ITU proposed a 56 kbit/s standard called V.90, which is expected to be formally approved during September 1998.

This article (or an earlier version of it) contains material from FOLDOC, used with permission. Update as needed.

Non-Fiction Usage: 56 KBPS

Subject	Topic	Quote
Business		These services are offered through the telephone lines and prices do not include the actual phone connection time. The common residential data transfer speed available today is 56 Kbps (over the telephone lines, without compression). (references)
		Once speeds of two to three gegabits (gbps) are reached, there is no reason why we should be dependent on fixed lines for carrying voice or data. MTN predicts that speeds of between 28 to 56 kbps will become a commercial reality within the next 18 months, and that within the next two to three years, this will be pushed to 1 to 2 gbps and in three to five years to speeds of 2 to 3 gbps. Once speed across the network increase, it will encourage the use of cellular telephony for data communications, which currently account for less than 2 percent of cellular usage. (references)
Economic History	Jordan	Access to the Internet and electronic mail is available in most cities; the top speed for residential access is 56 kbps, with faster connections becoming available through Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Lines (ADSL). (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from ICON Group International, Inc.; see credits.