3.1.8 - Explain why the speed of data transmission across a network can vary.

Question 1

Describe 5 factors that can limit network performance.

Answer 1

1) Bandwidth - the maximum amount of data that can pass through the transmission medium per second.
2) Bit rate - how fast the data can travel (calculated in bits per second).
3) Number of users - all devices are sharing the available bandwidth. As more devices join the network, the bandwidth is divided into smaller and smaller amounts for each device, making it slower.
4) Volume of traffic - the more traffic, the more collisions and the slower the data transfer on a particular connection will be.
5) Hardware limitations - too much traffic may be routed through a single point leading to congestion and bottlenecks. More switches and routers can be added to mitigate this.