02 May 2010
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Bandwidth
Bandwidth - describes the capacity of a communication medium to transmit a specific quantity of data in a given amount of time. Bandwidth is typically denoted in kilobits or megabits. As an example lets consider a hypothetical situation wherein someone may have a broadband ISP (Internet Service Provider) that is offering a 10 megabit (or 10Mbit/s) capacity for their Internet service. (To keep things simple assume this is all download bandwidth.)
10Mbit/s = 10 million bits per second.
There are 8 bits in one Byte. So, 10 million / 8 = 1,250,000 bytes per second.
Since 1 Megabyte = 1,000,000 bytes. 10Mbit/s = 1.25 Mbytes per second.
Of course this is given perfect conditions. Never expect to actually reach peak maximum throughput for any extended period of time.