Understanding the Difference between Bandwidth and Latency

Is your internet slow? Have you any idea why? It could be due to bandwidth and latency.

“Why is my internet connection so slow?” If that is what you have been trying to understand lately, you have probably come across a few technical terms, including bandwidth, latency, upload speed, etc.

Since you gain access to the internet almost every day, you would know what download vs. upload speed is. However, when it comes to slow internet connection, it is important that you know the difference between bandwidth and latency.

In this blog, we will learn more about these two terms and how they can affect the internet speed.

Bandwidth vs. Latency: What is the Difference?

Let us know what bandwidth and latency are all about.

What is Bandwidth?

The higher the bandwidth, the better. But what does it mean? For many, it is no less than a fancy word for internet speed. However, that is not precisely correct.

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another within a specific amount of time. When we talk about the internet connection, it measures how much can be downloaded to one’s device from the internet server.

The actual bandwidth will be less than the maximum one due to congestion in the network and other external factors affecting it. Consider using a speed test if you want to know how fast your connection is.

What is Latency?

Lower latency is effective. It refer to how much time a signal will take to travel to its destination and back. In order to test this, your PC will send a ping of information to a remoter server measuring how long it will take for the signal to come back.

Lower latency is good because it is basically a delay between the incidents when the action is taken and the result is seen. If it is higher, it will take longer for you to see the results, which is why less delay is good.

When you put a request to the internet connection, a signal is sent to the server for retrieving the information. Then it is brought back to you. Since it takes place pretty rapidly, latency is measured in milliseconds.

Difference between Bandwidth and Latency

Definition

There is no question that bandwidth and latency play a very crucial role when it comes to determining the performance of the network system. It is a measure of frequency ranges, which are usually for digital networking communications.

On the other hand, latency is a way of measuring speed and the time delay it takes for sending information from one point to another. It is the amount of time taken for a packet to travel from one point to another on a network.

Measure

Bandwidth is usually measured in bits per second. It has been used to refer to the capacity of a digital communications line. Latency, on the other hand, is any kind of delay in data communications over a network. It’s measured as amount of time, which is typically in milliseconds.

Some Useful Tips to Boost Your Internet Connection Speed

Is your internet connection getting adversely affected? If that’s the case, then there are some things you can do to improve it.

Ensure that Router Settings are Effective: It is important for you to ensure that router settings are not creating bottlenecks. Most routers available come equipped with a settings page where one can change their password, adjust the channel the router is using, and several other things. You can find the login information printed at the bottom of the device.
Upgrade the Router: If you are still using an old router, odds are it is not allowing the internet connection to function the way it is actually supposed to. While using a new router cannot boost the bandwidth, it can enhance internet speed.
Upgrade the Internet Package: Have you upgraded the device and adjusted your settings? Not getting the speed you need? No matter the reason, upgrading to a faster internet package is the next step.
Find a New Internet Provider: If you are not getting the best deal from the internet provider, it may be time to switch to another one. You can find the fastest internet service providers and check all the available options by entering your ZIP code.

Bandwidth and latency may not seem vital for daily tasks. However, it is important for various activities that require uploading as well as downloading data, including streaming videos, video chatting, or playing video games.

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