Throughput, the measure of data transfer capacity within a specified timeframe, is a key metric in networking. It’s commonly quantified in bytes per second or kilobits per second, but its real-world usability may differ due to factors like latency and packet loss that impact data transmission speed.
In the past, bandwidth was often defined as the maximum theoretical data transfer capacity of a link. However, with the advent of faster line speeds, prefixes like Mbps or Gbps are now used to denote throughput capacity. This evolution reflects the increasing need for robust data transfer capabilities in modern networks.