Binary Digital Transmissions Mean Better Clarity

While analog signals use waves that oscillate back and forth, digital signals are transmitted in the form of binary bits.  The word binary means “made up of two parts”.  In telecommunications, the term binary refers to the fact that there are only two values for transmitted voice and data bits: on and off (1 and 0).

“On” bits are depicted as 1’s and indicates the presence of a signal or voltage.  “Off” bits are depicted as 0’s and indicates no signal or voltage.

The fact that digital transmissions are only on or off is one reason why digital services are a better choice for voice.  Because when the digital signal starts to break down on long transmissions, rather than amplify the whole transmission (including the static or noise), only the “on” bits can be amplified.

This allows for a much more accurate voice and data signal over a long distance.