Difference between bandwidth and throughput

In this article, we will discuss the bandwidth and throughput along with the comparison between them. Both are different but closely related concepts. Both are rate metrics that are used to measure the performance of the network. So, it is important to know the difference between both terms.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the data capacity of a channel. The potential of transferring data in a particular period of time is bandwidth. In networking, it measures the maximum rate at which the data can be transmitted by a device. It does not guarantee high network performance. If a network has high bandwidth, it means that the high amount of data can be transferred and received.

As the bandwidth is a theoretical unit to some extent, so it does not affected by the physical obstruction.

Bandwidth is measured in bits per second (bps). We can also measure it in gigabits per second (Gbps), and megabits per second (Mbps). Although the bandwidth actually does not enhance the network's speed, it just appears to make the network faster. But it is still important for the network's speed. The physical layer of the OSI model is used to specify the bandwidth. Bandwidth is always greater than or equal to the throughput.

Throughput

Throughput can be defined as the actual measure of data transmitted in a specific period of time. Instead of providing the theoretical delivery of packets, throughput gives a practical measurement of the actual delivery.

It is similar but slightly different from bandwidth. It can be measured at every layer of the OSI Model.

Bandwidth is the restricting factor or the upper limit for the throughput. For instance, suppose the bandwidth of Ethernet is 100Mbps, so the upper limit or the restricting factor for the throughput is 100Mbps. But the actual speed or we can say that the practical speed that will be achieved, will be lesser than 100Mbps.

Throughput can be affected by the network traffic, transmission errors, change in interference, or the network devices. Throughput is dependent on latency. The term latency is used to measure delay. After being transmitted, the time taken for a packet to reach its destination is said to be the delay.

Bandwidth v/s Throughput

Now, let's see the comparison between bandwidth and throughput. We are comparing both terms based on some characteristics.

On the basis of	Bandwidth	Throughput
Basic	Bandwidth is the data capacity of a channel. It is referred to as the potential of transferring the data in a specific period of time.	Throughput can be defined as the actual measure of data transmitted in a specific period of time.
Dependency	It does not depend on latency.	It depends on latency.
Effect	It does not affected by the physical obstruction.	Throughput can be affected by the network traffic, transmission errors, change in interference, or the network devices.
Layer	Bandwidth is specified at the physical layer of the OSI model.	It can be measured at every layer of the OSI Model.
Measured in	It is measured in bits per second.	Throughput is measured according to bandwidth. So, it can also be measured in bits per second.

Along with the comparisons tabulated above, some other comparisons between bandwidth and throughput are given as follows -

Bandwidth is the theoretical delivery of the packet data over a communication channel, whereas throughput is the actual delivery of the packet data over a communication channel.
Bandwidth is the theoretical peak value, whereas throughput is the achieved value.

So, that's all about the article. Hope, the article will be helpful and informative to you.

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