What does the term "throughput" mean in wireless networking?

Throughput in wireless networking refers to the amount of data that is successfully transmitted over a network in a specified amount of time, usually measured in bits per second (bps). It takes into account various factors such as network congestion, error rates, and the efficiency of data protocols, which can all affect the actual performance of the data transmission. This measure is distinct from the theoretical maximum data rate of a connection, as it reflects real-world conditions and the actual performance experienced by users.

By understanding throughput, network administrators can gauge how well the network performs in delivering data to users and applications, making it a critical metric for assessing network health and performance.