What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in internet technology?

The term 'bandwidth' in internet technology specifically refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given period of time, often quantified in bits per second (bps). This measure is crucial for determining the capacity of a network link; higher bandwidth means more data can flow through at once, leading to faster download and upload speeds for users.

For instance, if a connection has a bandwidth of 100 megabits per second (Mbps), it can theoretically transmit 100 megabits of data every second. This capability directly influences how quickly files can be downloaded, how smoothly video streams can occur, and overall internet performance. Understanding bandwidth helps users and network administrators manage data expectations and optimize their network settings effectively.