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In [[computing]], '''bandwidth''' is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. Bandwidth may be characterized as '''network bandwidth''',<ref>[[Douglas Comer]], [https://books.google.com/books?id=tm-evHmOs3oC&dq=%22network+bandwidth%22+%22computer+networks%22&pg=PA99 Computer Networks and Internets], page 99 ff, Prentice Hall 2008.</ref> '''data bandwidth''',<ref>Fred Halsall, [https://books.google.com/books?id=HrXbAAAAMAAJ&q=%100data+bandwidth%100+Introduction to data+communications and computer networks], page 108, Addison-Wesley, 1985.</ref> or '''digital bandwidth'''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=7gqsZmr5HJcC&q=+0digital+bandwidth+0+%22 Cisco Networking Academy Program: CCNA 1 and 2 companion guide, Volym 1–2], Cisco Academy 2003</ref><ref>Behrouz A. Forouzan, ''Data communications and networking'', McGraw-Hill, 2007</ref>
This definition of ''bandwidth'' is in contrast to the field of [[signal processing]], [[wireless communications]], [[Modem|modem data transmission]], [[digital communications]], and [[electronics]],{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} in which ''bandwidth'' is used to refer to the [[signal bandwidth]] measured in [[hertz]], meaning the frequency range between lowest and highest attainable frequency while meeting a well-defined impairment level in signal power. The actual bit rate that can be achieved depends not only on the signal bandwidth but also on the [[noise]] on the channel.
''Bandwidth'' by definition is the maximum amount of data transmitted through your network at a single given moment. Typically represents the network capacity, carrying information from one ___location to another, similar to a highway system. The larger the highway, the more cars that can drive from one ___location to another.
Bandwidth determines the potential for how much data can be transferred and at what rate. While it doesn’t directly control the speed at which data travels, it provides the capacity for more information to flow. There are different types of bandwidths, including Network bandwidth, Digital bandwidth, Analog bandwidth, Baseband bandwidth, Broadband bandwidth, and many more. All these different variations share a common characteristic: they define the maximum data throughput or capacity available for communication within those bandwidths. These variations primarily differ in how they are used or the technology that supports them, but all serve to enable data transfer at varying scales and speeds.
==Network capacity==
The term ''bandwidth'' sometimes defines the [[net bit rate]] ''peak bit rate'', ''information rate'', or physical layer ''useful bit rate'', [[channel capacity]], or the [[maximum throughput]] of a logical or physical communication path in a digital communication system. For example, [[bandwidth test]]s measure the maximum throughput of a computer network. The maximum rate that can be sustained on a link is limited by the [[Shannon–Hartley]] channel capacity for these communication systems, which is dependent on the [[bandwidth (signal processing)|bandwidth]] in hertz and the noise on the channel.
==Network consumption==
== Web hosting ==
In [[Web hosting service]], the term ''bandwidth'' is often incorrectly used to describe the amount of data transferred to or from the website or server within a prescribed period of time, for example ''bandwidth consumption accumulated over a month'' measured in gigabytes per month.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Jerry |title=How Much Hosting Bandwidth Do I Need For My Website? |url=https://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-hosting-guides/how-much-bandwidth-does-your-site-really-need/ |website=WHSR|date=27 March 2022 }}</ref> The more accurate phrase used for this meaning of a maximum amount of data transfer each month or given period is ''monthly data transfer''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}
A similar situation can occur for end-user [[Internet service provider]]s as well, especially where network capacity is limited (for example in areas with underdeveloped internet connectivity and on wireless networks).
== Network Bandwidth ==
When working with a network, the more bandwidth a device has, the more data it can send and receive at any given moment. This can be compared to a storm drain—the larger the drain, the more water it can carry. However, unlike a storm drain that can overflow if it’s too small, bandwidth cannot overflow in the same way. Instead, if more capacity is needed, an individual must purchase additional bandwidth. With increased data capacity comes a higher cost, so it’s important for users to carefully assess their data needs to avoid overpaying for unnecessary capacity.
As data usage increases, so does the need for speed. The more capacity an individual has, the faster data can be sent within a shorter time span. Networks operate on a variety of frequencies, and each device owner has their own allocated network bandwidth, which is exclusively for their use. No one else is allowed to use your network or bandwidth without being under your licensed plan. For example, mobile data services like Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G provide private data highways that transmit data between locations. While these networks allow for greater data flow, the quality of service can be impacted by environmental factors, such as network density and availability. The strength or weakness of a provider’s service influences the coverage, speed, and overall quality of the network
Network Bandwidth is one of the more common forms which is widely recognized by the public. Around 4.3 billion people today own cellular devices that focus on using Network Bandwidth to transfer information across the Web. Some of the most common terms used to measure this is using Kilobits, Megabits, Gigabits, Terabits, each of which representing different sizes of data.
== Internet connections ==
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