How is 'throughput' defined in terms of network performance?

Throughput is defined as the actual rate at which data is successfully transmitted over a network within a given period. It reflects the effective performance of the network, taking into account various factors such as signal quality, bandwidth utilization, and real-world conditions that can affect data transmission.

For example, even if a network has high bandwidth capabilities, the throughput may be significantly lower due to network congestion, interference, or other inefficiencies. Therefore, throughput serves as a practical measurement of how efficiently data is moving through the network, which is crucial for evaluating network performance and user experience.

This definition highlights the importance of real-world effectiveness in data transmission, as opposed to theoretical limits or maximum capabilities, which may not always represent the experience of users in a working environment.