Bandwidth is defined as what?

Bandwidth is defined as the amount of data transmitted over a specific period of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps). This concept is essential in understanding network performance and capacity. Bandwidth determines how much data can flow through a network connection at any given moment, which directly affects the speed of data transfers and the efficiency of applications that rely on that data.

For example, a network with a higher bandwidth can support more users and devices simultaneously without significant degradation of service, enabling activities such as streaming, downloading, and online gaming to occur smoothly. In contrast, a network with limited bandwidth may lead to congestion, slower speeds, and increased wait times for data transmission.

While other options touch on aspects related to networking, they do not accurately define bandwidth. The distance data travels is more related to latency and signal strength. The number of connected devices pertains to network load but does not directly define bandwidth. The speed of network connections can be influenced by bandwidth but is not synonymous with it, as speed can also be affected by other factors such as network latency and congestion. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of what bandwidth truly represents in networking.