Network performance

• 5 key factors that can impact network performance


  • Number of users
  • Bandwidth
  • Latency
  • Error rate
  • Transmission media
• Number of users


  How many users are on the network at the same time
• Too many users


  Can cause the network to slow down if there is not enough bandwidth for all of the data being sent and received
• Bandwidth


  The amount of data that can be sent and received at any given time, measured in bits per second
• Smaller bandwidth


  Means that less data can be sent and the network can slow down, potentially to the point of becoming unusable
• Latency


  The delay between data being sent and received
• Big delay between sending and receiving data


  More data will be on the network causing collisions, leading to an increased error rate
• Error rate


  The measure of how many packets of data do not reach their destination
• Increased error rate


  Occurs in less reliable connections, e.g. a poor wireless signal
• Transmission media


  The type of cable used in wired connections
• Wired connections offer a higher bandwidth than wireless connections
• Main options for transmission media


  • Unshielded twisted pair
  • Fibre-optic
• Fibre optic has a higher bandwidth than copper cabling as well as faster transfer speeds