It has nothing to do with "symbols". Baud is a measure of the number of changes of line state per second. A 1200bps modem transmits two bits for every change in line state, so it runs at 600 baud. 2400bps modems transmit 3 bits per line state change, so it also runs at 600 baud. The only time bps == baud is at 300bps or below.While you are right - and my recollection of "baud" is "symbols per second", that does become "bits per seconds" when there are only two symbols. I'd be surprised at any journal or anyone else having a problem of "baud" being equated with "bits per second" in that context."Baud" has a specific technical meaning, which NOT "bits per second", despite common--and as you note, even by IBM--usage. I deplore the degradation of technical terms due to marketing and other forces. If no one pushes back, precise terms become meaningless.
But there was no issue at all until you brought up the question of what the data rate is. There was no one degrading the meaning of "baud".
Statistics: Posted by W. H. Heydt — Mon Jun 02, 2025 2:33 am