Bandwidth (computing)

This article is about use in computing and networking expressed in bits per second. For the concept in signal theory and processing measured in hertz, see Bandwidth (signal processing). For other uses, see Bandwidth (disambiguation).

In computing, bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. Bandwidth may be characterized as network bandwidth,[1] data bandwidth,[2] or digital bandwidth.[3][4]

This definition of bandwidth is in contrast to the field of signal processing, wireless communications, modem data transmission, digital communications, and electronics,[citation needed] in which bandwidth is used to refer to analog 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.

  1. ^ Douglas Comer, Computer Networks and Internets, page 99 ff, Prentice Hall 2008.
  2. ^ Fred Halsall, to data+communications and computer networks, page 108, Addison-Wesley, 1985.
  3. ^ Cisco Networking Academy Program: CCNA 1 and 2 companion guide, Volym 1–2, Cisco Academy 2003
  4. ^ Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data communications and networking, McGraw-Hill, 2007