What does the term "throughput" refer to in networking?

Throughput in networking specifically refers to the rate at which data is successfully transmitted over a network. It measures the actual performance of the network in terms of data transfer, typically expressed in bits per second (bps). This metric encompasses the values of successful data packets received by the receiver and accounts for various factors such as network congestion, protocol overhead, and any errors that may occur during transmission.

Understanding throughput is crucial for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of a network. It provides insight into how much usable data can be sent and received, which directly impacts user experience, application performance, and overall network reliability.

Other terms like maximum speed and total capacity may imply potential performance but do not capture the actual data transfer happening within the network. Throughput, therefore, is a critical measure for both diagnosing network issues and optimizing performance.