What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth, also called bandwidth, refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed time, that is, the ability to transmit data in the transmission pipeline. In digital devices, bandwidth is usually expressed in bps, that is, the number of bits that can be transmitted per second. In analog devices, bandwidth is usually expressed in transmission cycles per second or hertz (Hz).

"Bandwidth" has the following two different meanings in the computer:

Represents the bandwidth.

The bandwidth of a signal refers to the frequency range occupied by various frequency components contained in the signal. Bandwidth is especially important for basic input and output system (BIOS) devices, such as fast disk drives, which are hindered by low bandwidth buses.

Represents the ability of a communication line to transmit data.

The "highest data rate" transmitted from one point to another in the network per unit time. For the concept of bandwidth, a more vivid metaphor is expressway. The amount of data that can be transmitted on a line per unit time is usually expressed in bps (bits per second). The bandwidth of a computer network refers to the highest data rate that the network can pass, that is, how many bits per second.