Definition of Bandwidth – Bandwidth is the maximum number of transmissions that can be made during the data exchange process. Of course, we often hear the term bandwidth itself, especially when discussing the topic of VPS or Virtual Private Server. But, what exactly is the definition of bandwidth itself? So, in this article, we will discuss the definition of bandwidth, functions, how it works, examples, and tips for maximizing bandwidth functions. You need to understand that the bandwidth that will be discussed in this article is the bandwidth on the internet.
Definition of Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a capacity that can be used on an ethernet cable so that data packet traffic can be passed with a certain maximum. Another definition of internet bandwidth is the amount of data transfer consumption calculated in units of time bits per second or bps. Thus, internet bandwidth is the maximum capacity for communication lines to carry out the process of sending and also receiving data in just seconds. There is also the term analog bandwidth. Where this analog bandwidth means a difference between the lowest frequency and the highest frequency in a frequency range that can be measured using Hertz (Hz) units which aim to find out data or information that can be transmitted at a time.
Often, bandwidth is analogous to the width of a highway. While the data that enters through the bandwidth is analogous to the vehicles that cross the street. So, the fewer vehicles that pass, the smoother the traffic will be. Meanwhile, if there are many vehicles passing on the highway, the traffic will also be more congested and congested and will affect the activities of other vehicles. The wider the road (bandwidth), the more vehicles that can pass through the road. Therefore, it is not wrong if bandwidth is one of the considerations for many internet network users. Because, the greater the bandwidth, the faster the data exchange will be carried out. In addition, there will be more and more data that can pass through the bandwidth at one time.
Bandwidth Types
In the earlier discussion, we have discussed a number of things related to the term bandwidth. However, in reality, all of these are digital products. Because, the internet can run because of digital signal transmission. While the bandwidth is also in the analog signal. So, so you don’t get confused, here are some types of bandwidth that you need to know about.
1. Analog Bandwidth
Analog bandwidth is the amount of a frequency range in Hertz units, within which a signal can be obtained accurately. In addition, analog bandwidth usually has a relatively lower size compared to digital bandwidth.
2.Digital bandwidth
Digital bandwidth is the number of pulses per second measured in bits per second or bps. This type of bandwidth uses digital signals in its transmission. Meanwhile, digital bandwidth is relatively larger and wider than analog bandwidth.
Bandwidth Function
When divided again, there are several functions related to bandwidth based on their role in the internet network. Then, what are the functions of bandwidth? Below are some bandwidth functions which are divided based on how they are used.
1. Data Transmission Media
The first bandwidth function is as a media measure or data transmission path that is in a particular computer or network. This function is almost everywhere that has a computer network. Bandwidth itself is very useful especially when it comes to network distribution. Bandwidth size is usually used as one of the benchmarks for users to choose a provider or service provider related to internet connection. The greater the bandwidth offered, the better the service provided.
2. Data Transfer Speed
The second bandwidth function is to divide the data transfer rate. So, the speed in it can be distributed fairly to all users. This division is also used as a medium to limit so that users do not fight each other for bandwidth. If it is not shared, then it is possible for all bandwidth to be allocated to a network that is only used by one user and in the end other users do not get bandwidth. For example, when downloading files from the internet that are quite large.
When carrying out the download process, a very large data request will occur. That of course will flood the bandwidth on the network. If it is not restricted, other users’ connections will be slow and even unable to connect at all. Especially those who download using a certain download manager.
3. Set the amount of data transferred
Sometimes, network administrators place significant restrictions on data that can be accessed or downloaded from the internet. It aims to reduce high traffic in a long time. Having high traffic for a long time can also disrupt network stability. Because, it will affect the available bandwidth capacity.
So, those were the functions of bandwidth, most of which can provide an overview to understand what bandwidth is. Even though bandwidth is actually a term used to describe the capacity of an Ethernet cable or network size.
How it Works from Bandwidth Usage
As previously discussed, bandwidth is a very important thing in a network. Therefore, all data transmission or transfer process activities really need this bandwidth. Even so, do you know how the bandwidth itself works?
So, the workings of the actual bandwidth are still related to the three functions described earlier. Where the large bandwidth capacity in a communication network will greatly affect the performance of the network. However, if during the process there are some interruptions, then there are several things that might be the cause, including packet loss, latency, and it could even be from the bandwidth factor itself.
Some people know bandwidth as a component that has an important role in sending data on a network. Where these components need to be considered that the capacity of the bandwidth is very important. This is for the smooth process of sending the data. For example, if you upload or download files that are large enough in large quantities, the bandwidth capacity will also run out faster.
Bandwidth Example on a Computer
What is meant by bandwidth in a computer network is the speed of a network in transferring data, which is calculated per second. Speed ​​measurement usually uses bits per second. For example, if we use a Local Area Network (LAN) connection, the data transmission speed reaches 100 mbps. So, the greater the bandwidth in a network, the faster data will be transferred.
There are two types of bandwidth on the computer, namely:
1.Digital bandwidth
Digital bandwidth is a unit of measurement sent in bits per second on a network that can be sent over a communication channel without obstacles. This type of bandwidth is useful for transmitting information digitally, either via cable or wireless (wireless) channels.
2. Analog Bandwidth
Basically, analog bandwidth has almost the same function as digital bandwidth. The only thing that distinguishes the two is the unit of account used, namely Hertz.
Bandwidth example
Below are some examples of bandwidth that we can find in various places and industries.
Examples of Bandwidth in General
In general, we can see various examples of bandwidth from internet services to server service providers. Not only that, bandwidth is also a very common thing in network technologies such as cellular telephones. The bandwidth on the 4G network is of course greater than that on the 3G network. Meanwhile, the 5G network allows far greater bandwidth than the two networks. Newer technologies usually have higher bandwidth, because bandwidth can support higher speeds as well.
Bandwidth example on VPS
You can also find bandwidth on a Virtual Private Server or VPS. You can see examples of bandwidth on VPS in certain services. For example, VPS services can provide bandwidth starting from 100 Mbps with 1TB of total data transmission. That means, users can access the VPS server at a speed of 100 Megabits per second or the equivalent of 12.5 Mbps. The better the VPS package, the greater bandwidth users can get. The existence of bandwidth specifications that exist on the VPS will assist users in developing applications that are on the server. This is because VPS is often used for applications that require high traffic.
Bandwidth Example on Hosting
After understanding the meaning of bandwidth and its types, now you have to understand examples of bandwidth so you can understand more. Apart from the two examples of bandwidth above, there are also other examples of bandwidth that we often encounter in hosting. But before discussing it further, you need to know what bandwidth hosting is first. This one bandwidth is generally used to adjust the volume of data sent per unit of time. The choice of hosting bandwidth is also quite diverse and can be adjusted to your needs. If you buy bandwidth that has a high speed, the uploaded website will also be faster. Maybe you will often hear unlimited bandwidth that is often offered by cheap web hosting.
But in reality, large bandwidth can actually eat up a lot of server resources. For example, like memory and hard drive. If there is a company that provides large bandwidth, the possibility of loss or bankruptcy will be even greater. Because, if a user uses bandwidth excessively, this will result in the related party receiving a penalty in the form of closure without any compensation from the company.
Then, how much web hosting bandwidth is needed for each month? The need for the size of the bandwidth will suit each individual. If you do live streaming or have large files, 10GB can be the right choice. An example of bandwidth available on hosting is that there is a blog that is popular with visitors of 1000 people per day and 100 kb for page size. From there, the blog owner only needs 8.5 GB per month. The meaning of GB is Gygabyte. If you buy 50 GB, it will likely be less effective. Instead, you can choose a size of 5 GB for medium to lower businesses.
How Much Bandwidth for a Website?
How much bandwidth you need depends on what your needs are and your website traffic. The higher the intensity of interaction that occurs on your website, the higher the bandwidth you need. However, of course you also need to adjust to the company’s financial budget. Usually, if your website needs are still in its early stages and the traffic is still relatively small, then low-speed bandwidth is still enough for you to use. However, if you have the need for a smooth website with high traffic and also for your development needs, you need a large amount of bandwidth and storage. That way, you will also need a large server capacity.
The difference between Bandwidth and Throughput
Throughput is the term given to the amount of data that can be sent and received in a certain time. In other words, Throughput will measure the success rate of a message to reach its destination. This is a practical measure in sending actual packets compared to theoretical packet delivery. Throughput will basically tell the user about how many packets have arrived at the destination.
On the surface, Throughput and Bandwidth may appear similar or similar, but they don’t go very far apart in practice. The analogy that is usually used to describe the relationship between the two is by thinking of bandwidth as a pipe and throughput as water. The more pipes used, the more water can flow through the pipes.
In a network, that means that the amount of bandwidth will determine how many packets can be sent and received between devices at once. While the number of Throughput will tell how many packets will be transmitted. In other words, throughput and bandwidth can be defined as follows:
- Throughput is a term used for how much data can be transferred from source to destination in a certain time.
- Bandwidth is a term used for the transfer capacity of a network.
Tips for Optimizing Bandwidth
Below are some ways you can do so that the bandwidth used can be optimal:
1. Use QoS
The first method that you can use to optimize bandwidth is that you can use QoS. With this QoS, you can order mobile traffic to prioritize opening certain applications or services. So, applications that are not used can be closed for a while.
2. Use the cloud
Using the cloud is an easy way to optimize bandwidth. The way it works is by diverting some traffic on a private network. With the cloud, you can also reduce some of the pressure on the network. It can also improve the performance of apps that you use more often.
3. Eliminate unnecessary internet activity
The next way you can do to optimize bandwidth is to eliminate unnecessary internet activity. For example, to increase bandwidth in an office or company, you can work around this by blocking network traffic on certain sites so that bandwidth becomes more efficient and is not wasted.