Factors that affect Network Performance

Factors that affect Network Performance

1. Bandwidth

   • It's a measure of the amount of data that can be transferred over a given period of time. It's measured in bits per second- how many bits of data can be transferred in one second. Bandwidth is not a measure of how fast data will travel, it's how much CAN be transferred.

2. Transmission media

   • Plural of medium, transmission media are the means to physically carry the data from device to device in the network. It can be wired or wireless.

3. The number of users on a network

   • Too many users on a bandwidth will cause it to slow down if there's insufficient bandwidth for the data. This is because the bandwidth is shared between devices.

4. Latency

   • Latency is the period of time delay- how long you have to wait for data to be transmitted. Latency is affected by the number of devices on the network, the connection devices used (hub or switch) and the choice of network topology.

5. Factors affecting Wi-Fi performance

   • Distance between router/wireless access point and device
   • Interferences from other Wi-Fi networks or devices
   • The number of people using the network at the same time.
   • Physical obstructions
   • Choice of frequency band (2.4GHz transmits data slower but over a longer range, 5GHz transmits data faster but over a shorter range.