Google Cloud Digital Leader Practice Exam

Which network performance measure is concerned with the maximum data transfer rate?

1. Latency

2. Throughput

3. Bandwidth

4. Jitter

The correct answer is: Bandwidth

The correct answer focuses on bandwidth, which is the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a network path. Bandwidth is essentially a measurement of capacity, often expressed in bits per second (bps) and refers to the volume of information that can be transmitted in a given amount of time. It reflects the capability of the network to handle data, which is crucial for understanding how much information can be sent or received in good conditions. In contrast, latency measures the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from source to destination, representing a delay rather than capacity. Throughput, while related to bandwidth, specifically refers to the actual rate of successful data transfer across the network in a given time period; it can be affected by various factors including network congestion. Jitter measures the variability in packet arrival time and doesn't directly correlate to the data transfer rate. Understanding bandwidth helps in planning and optimizing network performance, especially for applications that demand high data rates, such as video streaming or large file transfers, emphasizing why this aspect is critical in network performance measurements.