Final answer:
The typical minimum acceptable MER for a 256-QAM carrier in a DOCSIS network is around 30 dB, which indicates a quality digital signal for reliable data throughput.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the minimum Modulation Error Ratio (MER) required for a 256-QAM carrier in a DOCSIS network for optimal performance. In the context of cable modems and digital signal analyzers, MER is a measure of the quality of a digital signal. For a 256-QAM carrier, the typical minimum acceptable MER is usually around 30 dB, indicating a reasonably error-free transmission. Higher MER values correspond to better signal quality and more reliable data throughput.