Definition
Bandwidth is the maximum data a network can send through a communication channel. Usually, bandwidth speed is measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), and gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher bandwidth translates to quicker download processes.
How Bandwidth Works
- Bandwidth measures the amount of data transmitted over a communication channel, which can be a physical connection (fiber optic line or cable) or a wireless connection (Cellular data or Wi-Fi).
- When you access a network (like the internet), your device transmits and receives data in packets, which are reassembled to restore the original data.
- Increased bandwidth allows for a higher volume of data to be transmitted simultaneously, resulting in quicker upload and download speeds.
- Several factors can affect the bandwidth, such as the distance between the receiver and the sender, network traffic, and connection type.
Bandwidth vs. Speed
- Although bandwidth and speed are often confused, they mean different things.
- Speed is the rate data is transmitted between devices, while bandwidth is the maximum data transmitted over a communication channel.