What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to?

The term 'bandwidth' specifically refers to the capacity for data transfer over a network in a specified time. It is a measure of the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given period, most commonly expressed in bits per second (bps). This concept is crucial in networking, as it determines how much data can be sent or received, influencing the speed and performance of internet connections and networks. A higher bandwidth allows for more data to be transmitted simultaneously, which is important for activities such as streaming videos, playing online games, or conducting video conferences, all of which require substantial data transfer.

The distinction between bandwidth and other aspects, such as the number of users or the physical distance between devices, is significant; while those factors may impact the overall performance of a network, they are not definitions of bandwidth itself. Additionally, bandwidth is distinct from the data formats used for communication, which pertain to how data is structured for transfer rather than the capacity of the network to handle data.