How is "throughput" defined in networking?

Throughput in networking is defined as the amount of data transmitted successfully over a specific period of time. It measures the effective rate at which data is sent and received across the network, taking into account the actual data that successfully reaches its destination. This metric is crucial for evaluating the performance of a network, as it reflects not just the capacity of the network but also its efficiency and reliability.

While factors like latency and packet loss can impact throughput, this definition emphasizes the ability to successfully transfer data, which is vital for applications and services that rely on consistent and rapid data exchange. Understanding throughput helps network professionals optimize performance, ensuring that sufficient bandwidth is available to meet the needs of users and applications.