What does "SNR" stand for in telecommunications?

In telecommunications, "SNR" stands for Signal-to-Noise Ratio. This term is crucial as it defines the ratio of the strength of a desired signal to the strength of background noise. A higher SNR indicates a clearer signal, which is essential for effective communication, as it suggests that the signal is much stronger than the noise, leading to better quality transmission and reception. Understanding and optimizing SNR is vital in various applications, including audio systems, data transmission, and wireless communications, where clarity and accuracy are paramount.