Bandwidth

The capacity of a communication channel to carry data is not unlimited. Every channel — whether it is a copper wire, an optical fibre, or the air for wireless signals — can only handle a certain range of frequencies. That range is called the bandwidth of the channel.

Bandwidth is defined as the range of frequencies available for transmission through that channel. It is calculated as the difference between the maximum frequency and the minimum frequency contained in the composite signal being transmitted. For example, if a channel can carry frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, its bandwidth is 19,980 Hz.

A higher bandwidth means a wider range of frequencies is available. This directly translates to a higher data transfer rate — more data can be sent per unit of time. This is why broadband connections (which offer high bandwidth) are much faster than older dial-up connections.

Bandwidth is measured in Hertz (Hz). The following conversions are standard:

• 1 KHz = 1000 Hz
• 1 MHz = 1000 KHz = 1,000,000 Hz …