How is bandwidth defined in a network context?

Bandwidth in a network context refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a specific period of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps). This definition emphasizes the capacity of the communication channel and indicates how much information can flow between devices within that timeframe. Higher bandwidth allows for more data to be transferred simultaneously, which is crucial for applications that require high data rates, such as video streaming or online gaming.

This understanding of bandwidth is essential for network design and troubleshooting. When bandwidth is too low for the amount of data being sent, network congestion can occur, leading to slower speeds and increased latency.

Other options focus on unrelated aspects of networking. The speed of the processor pertains to the performance of a computer, not the data transmission capabilities of a network. The number of users connected to a network is more reflective of user capacity than transmission specifics, and the physical distance between network nodes relates to topological considerations in network design rather than the definition of bandwidth itself.