throughput

What Is Throughput?

Throughput measures the rate at which a system processes information over a given period. It applies to various fields, including computing, networking, storage, and business operations. Related performance metrics include processing speed—how quickly a workload is completed—and response time, which is the delay between a user request and system response.

Types of Throughput

Throughput metrics have evolved alongside computing advancements, adapting to different benchmarks and use cases.

Computing Throughput: Batches per Day & Teraflops

Early computing throughput was measured by the number of batch jobs completed daily. Modern metrics, such as trillion floating-point operations per second (teraflops), compare raw computing power across systems and manufacturers.

Network Throughput: Bits per Second

In networking, throughput refers to the amount of data successfully transmitted over a given period. It is commonly measured in bits per second (bps), such as megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Storage Throughput: Bytes per Second & IOPS

Storage throughput indicates either:

• The rate at which data is written to storage

• The rate at which data is read and transferred to the system

Storage throughput is typically measured in bytes per second (Bps) or input/output operations per second (IOPS).

Transactions per Second (TPS)

At higher levels of IT infrastructure, throughput applies to middleware and databases, often measured in transactions per second (TPS). Web servers use metrics like pageviews per minute.

Throughput also extends beyond IT systems to human and organizational efficiency. For instance, a help desk’s throughput includes not only the TPS of its software but also the time required for staff to develop and deliver responses.

By understanding throughput in different contexts, organizations can optimize performance and efficiency across their systems and operations.

Throughput, Bandwidth, and Latency: Understanding Network Performance

Throughput, bandwidth, and latency are key metrics in network performance but are often mistakenly interchanged. While they are related, each serves a distinct purpose:

• Bandwidth refers to the network's maximum capacity to transfer data.

• Throughput measures the actual amount of data transmitted successfully.

• Latency indicates the time taken for data to travel from one point to another.

Throughput and latency together provide a more accurate reflection of a network's real-world performance.

Throughput vs. Bandwidth

Bandwidth represents the theoretical maximum data transfer rate of a wired or wireless network. It is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). While commonly misunderstood as network speed, bandwidth actually denotes capacity.

Throughput, on the other hand, is the actual rate of data transfer, which is often lower than bandwidth due to factors like network congestion, hardware limitations, and packet loss.

Throughput vs. Latency

Latency measures the delay in data transmission, often assessed as the time taken for a packet to travel from sender to receiver. In some cases, it is measured as round-trip time (RTT), where a packet is sent and returned to the sender. Ideally, latency should be as low as possible for optimal network performance.

Factors Affecting Network Throughput:

• Hardware limitations – Aging or faulty routers and switches can reduce throughput.

• Traffic congestion – High network traffic can lead to packet loss and reduced speeds.

Factors Contributing to Network Latency:

• Propagation delay – The time it takes for data to travel across the network at the speed of light.

• Transmission delay – Different transmission media (fiber, wireless, etc.) introduce varying levels of delay. Larger packets also take longer to transmit.

• Router processing time – Each router examines and modifies packet headers, adding processing delay.

• Storage and computing delays – Delays occur when packets are processed by network devices like switches and bridges.

Measuring and Monitoring Network Throughput

Several tools help track network performance and identify bottlenecks:

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): An application-layer protocol used for monitoring and managing network devices in LANs and WANs. The latest SNMPv3 includes security enhancements such as authentication and encryption.

• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI): A Microsoft framework for managing devices and applications in a network. It allows administrators to configure security settings, schedule processes, and monitor system properties remotely.

• Tcpdump: A command-line, open-source network sniffer that captures and analyzes packet headers using host names, IP addresses, and protocols.

• Wireshark: A graphical, open-source network analysis tool that inspects traffic in detail, including protocol type, transmission time, source and destination. It is widely used for security investigations and network troubleshooting.

By understanding the differences between throughput, bandwidth, and latency, IT professionals can effectively optimize network performance, reduce delays, and enhance data transmission efficiency.