What is the key difference between analog and digital signals?

The key difference between analog and digital signals lies in the nature of their representation. Analog signals are characterized as continuous waves, meaning they can represent an infinite number of values within a range. This continuity allows analog signals to capture the smooth variations in data, such as sound waves or light intensity, which can exist at any point in time.

On the other hand, digital signals are discrete, meaning they represent data in distinct values, usually as binary code (ones and zeros). This discretization enables digital signals to convey information in a way that is less susceptible to noise and interference, thus allowing for easier processing, storage, and transmission of data.

This fundamental distinction forms the basis for many applications and technologies in telecommunications, where digital signals often have advantages over analog signals, including improved quality and efficiency in modern communication systems.