What does 'throughput' refer to in networking?

Throughput in networking is an important concept that refers to the actual rate of successful data transfer over a network. It measures how much data is successfully transmitted from one point to another in a given timeframe, typically expressed in bits per second (bps). This metric takes into account various factors that might affect the performance of data transmission, such as network congestion, errors, and the efficiency of the protocols being used.

Understanding throughput is crucial for assessing the performance of a network, as it reflects real-world conditions rather than just theoretical limits. Different from maximum bandwidth, which indicates the highest possible data transfer capacity, or theoretical data transfer speed, which doesn't account for real-world variables, throughput provides a more realistic view of what users experience during data transfers.

In addition, throughput should not be confused with latency, which is the time it takes for a data packet to make the journey from its source to its destination. By focusing on the successful transfer of data, throughput is integral for diagnosing network performance and ensuring optimal functionality.