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Modem classification: A modem is generally classified as low-speed if the data rate it can handle is up to what value?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: upto 600 bps

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is an essential communication device that converts digital signals into analog for transmission and back again at the receiving end. Historically, modems have been classified based on their data transmission speed in bits per second (bps). This classification helps identify applications for low, medium, and high-speed data transfer.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are considering traditional wired telecommunication modems.
  • Low-speed classification is being asked in terms of maximum data rate in bps.
  • Choices range between 100 and 600 bps.


Concept / Approach:
Low-speed modems were widely used in early telecommunication systems, typically handling telegraphy, teletypewriters, and early data terminals. These were classified as handling speeds up to 600 bps. Beyond this, modems were considered medium-speed (1200 bps to a few kbps) and high-speed (tens of kbps and above).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Check classification boundaries: Early CCITT (now ITU-T) recommendations often marked 600 bps as the cutoff between low-speed and medium-speed modems.Options 100, 250, 400 bps are within the low-speed range but not standard cutoff points.600 bps is the recognized threshold value for classifying low-speed modems.


Verification / Alternative check:
Referencing communication system textbooks confirms that 'low-speed' was defined up to 600 bps, often used for telegraph services and simple data exchange applications.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

'upto 100 bps': too restrictive; excludes 300–600 bps modems widely used in early systems.'upto 250 bps' or '400 bps': arbitrary, not recognized classification thresholds.'upto 1200 bps': corresponds to early medium-speed modems, not low-speed.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming that 'low-speed' means extremely slow like 100 bps only.Not realizing that classification has standard boundaries defined by telecommunication standards.


Final Answer:

upto 600 bps
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