B
Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a network path, typically measured in bits per second (bps, Mbps, Gbps).
What is Bandwidth?
Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time. It represents the capacity of a network link, not the actual speed of data transfer (throughput).
Bandwidth vs. Throughput
- Bandwidth: Maximum theoretical capacity
- Throughput: Actual data transfer rate achieved
- Throughput is always less than bandwidth due to overhead and congestion
Bandwidth Measurements
- bps: Bits per second (base unit)
- Kbps: Kilobits per second (1,000 bps)
- Mbps: Megabits per second (1,000,000 bps)
- Gbps: Gigabits per second (1,000,000,000 bps)
Factors Affecting Bandwidth
- Physical medium (fiber vs. copper vs. wireless)
- Network equipment capabilities
- Protocol overhead
- Congestion and traffic patterns
- Distance and signal quality
Bandwidth Management
- Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization
- Traffic shaping and policing
- Bandwidth allocation per user/application
- Link aggregation for increased capacity
- CDN usage for content delivery