What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data transfer that can happen across a certain path, such as a network or an Internet connection. 

In other words, it’s what determines how fast or slow your internet connection is. 

Bandwidth measures how much data can be sent over such a connection in a specific period. Usually, it’s denoted as a bitrate and measured in bits per second (bps).

For example, a gigabit Ethernet connection has a bandwidth of 1,000 Mbps (125 megabytes per second). 

You may wonder how this information could be helpful to you.

Understanding your bandwidth can help you find ways to improve your connection speed and decode any issues that may be causing low bandwidth. So, let’s delve into the details of how much bandwidth you may need and what can affect your WiFi speed or quality.

How Much Bandwidth Do I Need?

If you have different gadgets and several family members or co-workers on them simultaneously, you'll need higher bandwidth to keep up. The speed you need will depend on the kind of activities you’re using your WiFi connection for and the duration of those activities.

For example, streaming, gaming, and other high-limit exercises require a specific measure of transfer speed to get the best experience and avoid long buffering and lag times. 

Furthermore, the more bandwidth your internet service can provide, the faster your digital media will work. So, having a high-quality internet provider can also make a lot of difference.

Factors That Affect Internet Speed 

A variety of variables can influence the speed and quality of your internet connection. Transfer technology, the location you are using it in, the number of individuals you share the connection with, and the gadget you use are just some of these variables. 

Speed in Fixed Network

It’s important to note that there are differences between a fixed network and a mobile network, which means that different factors affect their respective speeds.

For starters, let’s talk about what can affect the connection of a fixed network.

The Data Transfer Technology

In fixed networks, the primary factor influencing broadband speed is the technology utilized for data transfer. Fiber-optic and cable networks power connections that are high-speed.

On the other hand, conventional xDSL connections can have restricted maximum transfer speeds. 

The Network Centralizer

The speed of your net connection can also depend on the distance between your terminal gadget and the network centralizer. The further you are located from the operator's broadband centralizer, the more it impacts the speed of your connection. 

Other Devices and Users

Many of us have more than just one device that we use daily, connected to the internet at the same time. If you use multiple services but aren't the only user of the network, this can also slow down your connection or sometimes wholly block it.

Speed in Mobile Network

That aside, the factors that may affect the speed in a mobile network can be completely different than these, such as:

The Network Technology and Terminal Device 

The connection speed in mobile networks can often heavily depend on the network technologies available in the area around you and also the features of the device you use:

• the 4G network powers a high-speed connection in appropriate conditions 
• the 3G network can be utilized in a more extensive region, but its maximum speed is lower 
• the GSM network is the broadest but the data transfer speeds are very restricted 

Other Users 

You may know that the mobile network capacity is shared among all the users in a particular area using that network. And during specific hours, there can be numerous clients, which can cause the network speed to slow down. No wonder we get irritated when too many people start using the same WiFi device!

Area 

If the user changes locations, the speed may change too because the signal varies according to the location you're in. 

Key Takeaway

By understanding how bandwidth works and the factors that may affect its speed, you can then take measures to either eliminate those factors or upgrade to a new network provider that may offer higher bandwidth. 

After all, a lot of our work and play takes place over online media, and nobody likes to have a slow internet connection!.