What does the term 'bit rate' refer to in digital communications?

The term 'bit rate' specifically refers to the number of bits transmitted per second in a digital communication system. This measurement is crucial because it indicates the speed at which data is being transferred over a network. A higher bit rate typically allows for the transmission of more data in a given amount of time, which means better performance for applications that require high bandwidth, such as video streaming or online gaming.

Understanding bit rate is fundamental for network engineers and users alike, as it directly impacts the quality and speed of digital communication. For example, a video streaming service may require a minimum bit rate to provide smooth playback without buffering. Hence, recognizing this definition helps in evaluating and optimizing communication systems.