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Bandwidth is defined as the amount of
information that can flow through a network connection in a given
period of time. It is essential to understand the concept of bandwidth
when studying networking for the following four reasons:
- Bandwidth is finite.
In other words,
regardless of the media used to build the network, there are limits
on the capacity of that network to carry information. Bandwidth is
limited by the laws of physics and by the technologies used to place
information on the media. For example, the bandwidth of a
conventional modem is limited to about 56 kbps by both the physical
properties of twisted-pair phone wires and by modem technology.
However, the technologies employed by DSL also use the same
twisted-pair phone wires, yet DSL provides much greater bandwidth
than is available with conventional modems. So, even the limits
imposed by the laws of physics are sometimes difficult to define.
Optical fiber has the physical potential to provide virtually
limitless bandwidth. Even so, the bandwidth of optical fiber cannot
be fully realized until technologies are developed to take full
advantage of its potential.
- Bandwidth is not free.
It is
possible to buy equipment for a local-area network (LAN) that will
provide nearly unlimited bandwidth over a long period of time. For
wide-area network (WAN) connections, it is almost always necessary
to buy bandwidth from a service provider. In either case, an
understanding of bandwidth and changes in demand for bandwidth over
a given time can save an individual or a business a significant
amount of money. A network manager needs to make the right decisions
about the kinds of equipment and services to buy.
- Bandwidth is a key factor in
analyzing network performance, designing new networks, and
understanding the Internet.
A networking professional must
understand the tremendous impact of bandwidth and throughput on
network performance and design. Information flows as a string of
bits from computer to computer throughout the world. These bits represent massive
amounts of information flowing back and forth across the globe in
seconds or less. In a sense, it may be appropriate to say that the
Internet is bandwidth.
- The demand for bandwidth is ever
increasing.
As soon as new network technologies and infrastructures
are built to provide greater bandwidth, new applications are created
to take advantage of the greater capacity. The delivery over the
network of rich media content, including streaming video and audio,
requires tremendous amounts of bandwidth. IP telephony systems are
now commonly installed in place of traditional voice systems, which
further adds to the need for bandwidth. The successful networking
professional must anticipate the need for increased bandwidth and
act accordingly.
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