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Bandwidth

BAND-width /ˈbændwɪdθ/

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TechnicalBusiness

The range of frequencies within a given band, used for transmitting a signal; (computing) the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path.

In common usage, it refers to the capacity of a network connection to carry data, often implying speed.

The story behind the word. The word 'bandwidth' is a compound of 'band' and 'width'. 'Band' in this context refers to a range of frequencies, a usage that emerged in the early 20th century in radio technology. 'Width' simply refers to extent or breadth. So, 'bandwidth' literally describes the 'width of a frequency band', which determines how much information can be carried, and by extension, the data capacity of a connection.

Word relationships

Capacity: More general term for the maximum amount something can hold or produce.
Throughput: The actual amount of data successfully transferred per unit of time, often lower than bandwidth.
Data rate: Refers to the speed at which data is transferred.

Bottleneck: A point of congestion in a network that limits data flow.
Limitation: A restriction on capacity.

Commonly confused with

Speed: Bandwidth is the capacity for speed; speed is the rate at which data is actually transferred.

Collocations

high bandwidth
low bandwidth
sufficient bandwidth
allocate bandwidth
bandwidth usage

Idioms & expressions

lack the bandwidth (informal)

Example sentences

"Streaming 4K video requires a significant amount of `bandwidth` to avoid buffering." Discussing internet speed.
"The new fiber optic cables provide much higher `bandwidth` than traditional copper wires." In telecommunications.
"Our team simply doesn't have the `bandwidth` to handle another large project right now." Metaphorical use in business.

Memory hook

Imagine a wide `band` on a road. The `width` of that band determines how many cars (data) can pass at once. More `bandwidth` means more data. Wide data band

When not to use

Do not use 'bandwidth' to refer to general capacity or availability of resources if it's not related to data transfer or frequency range (e.g., 'I don't have the bandwidth to take on more tasks' is informal and can be replaced with 'capacity' or 'time').

Fun facts

The original meaning of 'band' in this context comes from acoustics and radio, referring to a range of sound or electromagnetic frequencies.
The metaphorical use of 'bandwidth' to mean mental or resource capacity is increasingly common in business jargon.