What is Bandwidth in Data Communication and Networking
The use of the internet is getting here and there is increasing in number because every day there is always an increase in the number of internet users. Therefore, the internet is not a new thing for society. For those of you who often use the internet or learn more about information technology, you must be familiar with the term bandwidth. However, the term bandwidth is definitely still foreign to ordinary internet users. Let's read to the end regarding the Definition and Function of Bandwidth.
Well, the following is a clearer explanation of what bandwidth is and its function. The goal is that you can not only use the internet but can better understand how internet services work.
Definition of Bandwidth
For people who are involved with all matters of websites and networks, they certainly know what bandwidth is.
Bandwidth is a data transfer consumption value which is calculated in bits/second or what is usually called bits per second (bps), between the server and client within a certain time.
Digital bandwidth is the capacity that determines how much or how much digital data can be passed in a wired or wireless transmission line (wireless) in a unit of time.
While the definition of bandwidth in computer networks is a synonym commonly used for data transfer rate, namely the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another within a certain period of time (usually in seconds) on the network.
The amount of bandwidth affects the access capabilities provided. Data transmission capabilities such as video, audio, image or other files become higher with large bandwidth. Usually, bandwidth has units of bps (bits per second). For example, a bandwidth size of 100 Mbps means the speed obtained for transferring data is 100 Megabits per second.
So if you say the bandwidth is 100 Mbps, it means that in one second the channel can pass data up to a maximum of 100 Megabits.
Actually what happens if your internet suddenly slows down? Suppose your bandwidth is 10 Mbps but suddenly it feels like 1 Mbps slow. This does not mean that the bandwidth or channel you are using is getting narrower.
Actually, the channel you use, the size, and the capacity remains the same but the portion of the channel you can use is smaller. This is because there are other users using the same channel so you have to share the channel.
Types of Bandwidth in Computer Networks
There are two types of bandwidth that are often known in the world of computer networks, namely:
Digital Bandwidth
Digital bandwidth is a capacity that determines the amount of digital data that can be transmitted, either through wired or wireless channels within a certain time which is calculated in bits. This type of bandwidth is widely used by internet service providers.
This digital bandwidth provides digital information about the capacity that determines the information can exceed the transmission line, both wired and wireless channels which are also calculated in units of time in bits, for example 20 Kilobites per second (Kbps).
Analog Bandwidth
Analog bandwidth represents the difference between low and high frequencies in a range of units of frequency measured in Hertz (Hz), which ensures the amount of information transmitted in a given time. Usually, this bandwidth is very rarely used in the network world.
Bandwidth Function
After knowing the meaning of bandwidth, then you can already know the basic function of bandwidth, which is to calculate the amount of ability in data transmission by users. However, apart from the main function, there are still some bandwidth functions that you don't know about. Some of these bandwidth functions will be explained below.
1. Data Transfer Media
The function of bandwidth as a data transfer medium is the main function. For example, in building a LAN network requires a physical LAN cable that connects the LAN connection with the computer equipment that will be used. In the LAN cable there is a path that allows the transfer of data from one computer to another.
2. Data Transfer Speed Limiter
This function is generally used by network administrators in managing the network to avoid fraud from its users. This function is applied when there are users accessing certain data that requires a lot of bandwidth.
Bad things that are often done by internet users, for example downloading or playing videos with High Display (HD) resolution. This action is not recommended because it can consume large amounts of bandwidth. When the bandwidth provided is only sucked by one user, other users will be disturbed because the access speed is getting slower.
So this is the purpose of limiting the speed of data transmission, namely the administrator will provide a bandwidth limit for each accessor in a balanced amount.
3. Data Volume Limiter
This function is the most commonly felt function where bandwidth can limit the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time. This function can usually be performed by a hosting administrator or a network administrator. An example is the provision of bandwidth with a certain amount within a certain period of time, for example 1GB per month. That way, this 1 GB amount will have no effect on how many devices access it or the speed of access because the maximum amount of data that can be accessed does not exceed 1 GB.