How is network bandwidth typically measured?

Study for the Western Governors University (WGU) ITEC2002 D322 Introduction to IT Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Be fully prepared for your exam!

Network bandwidth is a critical aspect of data communication that refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time. It is typically measured in units that reflect the volume of data being transmitted.

The correct measurement for network bandwidth involves the use of megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps). These units are preferred in networking contexts because they accurately represent high-speed data transmission rates, especially for modern internet connections and services that facilitate streaming, gaming, and large data transfers. Measuring bandwidth in bits rather than bytes is essential because 1 byte equals 8 bits, and network speeds are more commonly reported in bits to reflect the actual data throughput more effectively.

The other options do not provide the standard units used for measuring network bandwidth. While kilobytes per second and bytes per second could technically indicate the transfer rates, they are not the conventional units in high-speed networking discussions. Similarly, megahertz is a unit of frequency used in different contexts, such as assessing CPU speed or radio signals, and is not applicable to the measurement of bandwidth.

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