1. What is a Network Throughput vs Latency Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the effective throughput of a network connection based on bandwidth and delay (latency).

Purpose: It helps network engineers and administrators understand how latency impacts the actual usable bandwidth of a connection.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Effective throughput (bits per second)
• \( B \) — Bandwidth capacity (bits per second)
• \( D \) — Network delay (seconds)

Explanation: The formula shows how latency reduces the effective throughput of a network connection, even when bandwidth is high.

3. Importance of Throughput Calculation

Details: Understanding throughput helps in network design, troubleshooting performance issues, and setting realistic expectations for application performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bandwidth in bits per second and the delay in seconds (default 0.1s). Bandwidth must be > 0, delay must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does latency affect throughput?
A: Latency creates delays in acknowledgment packets, reducing how quickly new data can be sent, especially in TCP-based communications.

Q2: What's a typical network delay?
A: LANs typically have <1ms delay, domestic broadband 10-50ms, international links 100-300ms, and satellite 500-700ms.

Q3: Does this apply to all protocols?
A: This model is most accurate for TCP. UDP performance isn't as directly affected by latency but has other limitations.

Q4: How can I improve throughput?
A: Reduce latency (geographically closer servers), increase bandwidth, or use techniques like TCP window scaling.

Q5: Is this the only factor affecting throughput?
A: No, packet loss, congestion, protocol overhead, and hardware limitations also impact actual throughput.