A standardized set of communication protocols for transmitting digital data over traditional telephone lines, providing capabilities beyond basic voice communication. It essentially transforms analog telephone networks into digital ones, enabling simultaneous transmission of voice, data, and video signals. For example, it allows for faster internet access compared to traditional dial-up modems and facilitates features like caller ID and call waiting via digital signaling.
It offered several advantages, including improved data transmission speeds, better call quality, and the ability to handle multiple communication channels simultaneously. Its emergence marked a significant step in the evolution of telecommunications, bridging the gap between analog and fully digital networks and paving the way for broadband technologies. While largely superseded by more advanced broadband solutions such as DSL and fiber optics, it played a crucial role in the development and adoption of digital communication technologies.
