Bandwidth and it’s cosumption

Bandwidth can be measured in different ways. One way is that it is measured by the calculating the current data flow while the other method is to measure the maximum flow.

Units

• K = kilo = 1,000 bits
• M = mega = 1,000 kilo = 1,000,000 bits
• G = giga = 1,000 mega = 1,000,000,000 bits
• T = tera = 1,000 giga = 1,000,000,000,000 bits

Like your home internet connection the wireless devices like your Mobile phone also uses the measurements and download speeds can vary on the connection,

Applications need a lot of bandwidth

At times limited bandwidth can cause lag and the waiting time for that simple web page to load. Everyday tasks such as backing up files can often take too long resulting in errors and having to start again.

Making phone calls over VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) and having not enough bandwidth can make the calls seem a lower quality than they should be for example tinny or at times cut’s in and out. Video calls require a lot more bandwidth as they require a lot more data to send and receive.

As internet applications over the years have become more reliant on data transfers it makes sense that they will be using the majority of bandwidth. Streaming services such as YouTube requires the minimum 4 Mbps for uninterrupted playback. Some media players will incorporate a buffering mechanism ahead of time meaning that you can watch the video from start to finish without it stopping half way through.

Breakdown of consuption

• on March 4, 2020