Why did dial-up modems operate at a speed of 56k?

The article discusses the significance of 56k dial-up modem speeds, which became the hallmark of the analog connection era to the internet. The main reason behind this choice was the balance between signal quality and the technological capabilities of the time. The author explains that 56k was the maximum speed supported by modem technologies using standard phone lines. It also presents the challenges faced in trying to increase speeds, such as declining signal quality and technological complexity. Additionally, it highlights the implications for the internet's development that arose from the classic dial-up infrastructure, which largely laid the groundwork for modern broadband connections. Finally, the article underscores the importance of 56k in internet history as an icon of an age when connecting was an event, often accompanied by the distinctive sounds of modems linking to the network.