Bandwidth (computing)

In computing, bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. Bandwidth may be characterized as network bandwidth,[1] data bandwidth,[2] or digital bandwidth.[3][4]

This definition of bandwidth is in contrast to the field of signal processing, wireless communications, modem data transmission, digital communications, and electronics,[citation needed] in which bandwidth is used to refer to analog signal bandwidth measured in hertz, meaning the frequency range between lowest and highest attainable frequency while meeting a well-defined impairment level in signal power. The actual bit rate that can be achieved depends not only on the signal bandwidth but also on the noise on the channel.

  1. ^ Douglas Comer, Computer Networks and Internets, page 99 ff, Prentice Hall 2008.
  2. ^ Fred Halsall, to data+communications and computer networks, page 108, Addison-Wesley, 1985.
  3. ^ Cisco Networking Academy Program: CCNA 1 and 2 companion guide, Volym 1–2, Cisco Academy 2003
  4. ^ Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data communications and networking, McGraw-Hill, 2007