Which aspect of data transmission does the modulation error ratio (MER) primarily affect?

The modulation error ratio (MER) primarily affects signal quality and integrity. MER is a measurement used to assess the quality of a signal in digital communication systems, particularly in modulated signals. It quantifies the difference between the actual received signal and the ideal signal that would be transmitted without any distortion or interference. A higher MER indicates that the signal is of good quality with less noise and errors, which directly impacts the integrity of the data being transmitted.

When the MER is low, it suggests significant distortion, leading to more errors in data transmission. This can result in lost packets or the need for retransmission, ultimately affecting the overall performance of the communication system. Therefore, understanding and measuring MER is crucial for ensuring reliable and effective data transmission.

The other aspects listed, such as latency, bandwidth allocation, and router performance, are related to different technical factors and do not directly correlate with the modulation error ratio.