Networking - Throughput

What Is Throughput?

Throughput is the amount of data that can be processed, transferred, or delivered over a network, system, or device in a specific amount of time.
It tells you how fast data actually moves from one point to another.

It is usually measured in:

• bps (bits per second)

• Kbps, Mbps, Gbps

• Sometimes packets per second

Why Throughput Matters

Throughput shows the real-world performance of a network or system, not just its theoretical speed.

High throughput means:

• Faster data transfer

• Better network performance

• Smooth streaming, gaming, and downloads

• Efficient application performance

Low throughput means:

• Slow data transfer

• Buffering and lags

• Congestion or network issues

Factors That Affect Throughput

1. Bandwidth – Higher bandwidth can support higher throughput

2. Network congestion – Crowded traffic reduces speed

3. Hardware limitations – Weak routers, switches, or servers

4. Packet loss – Lost packets lower throughput

5. Latency – Delay in transmission slows down throughput

6. Interference – Especially in wireless networks

7. Protocol overhead – Handshakes and headers reduce effective throughput

Throughput vs Bandwidth

Example:

• A highway has 4 lanes (bandwidth)

• The number of cars actually passing every minute is throughput

Examples of Throughput

• A 100 Mbps internet plan delivering 85 Mbps real-time speed

• A server processing 500 requests per second

• A router transferring 1 Gbps of traffic during peak hours