When considering network performance, what does 'throughput' measure?

Throughput is a key metric for evaluating network performance as it specifically measures the amount of data that is successfully transmitted over a network in a given period of time. This measurement is typically expressed in bits per second (bps) and reflects how efficiently data transfers occur between devices within the network. When assessing network performance, a higher throughput indicates that more data is being processed and transmitted effectively, which is vital for applications requiring large amounts of data, such as video streaming or large file transfers.

Understanding throughput is crucial for network designers and administrators to ensure that the network meets the demands of users and applications. It helps in diagnosing network issues and optimizing performance, enabling administrators to make informed decisions about upgrades, configurations, and enhancements to the network infrastructure.