How to calculate throughput in your network — The right way

Having a clear view of exactly how much data is being transferred across your network is key.

This blog post aims to introduce you to the concept of network throughput and explain how to calculate it in your network. 

Here’s everything we’ll cover: 

• A definition of network throughput
• Why network throughput matters
• How to calculate network throughput accurately 
• Factors that affect network throughput
• How to improve network throughput
• A quick-fire round of best practices

What is network throughput?

Network throughput is the amount of data that actually gets transferred across your network within a given time frame. Think of it like a highway: Throughput is the number of cars that successfully travel from point A to point B in an hour.

Throughput vs. bandwidth: A crucial distinction

Now, you’ve surely heard the term "bandwidth" thrown around. It's easy to confuse the two, but they're not the same thing. Let’s use the highway analogy to explain how they differ: 

• Bandwidth: This is your highway's maximum speed limit—the theoretical maximum amount of data that could be transferred under ideal conditions.
• Throughput: This is the actual speed at which cars are traveling—the real amount of data that does get transferred, considering real-world factors like traffic (congestion), road conditions, and even accidents (errors).

This means you could have a super-fast Internet plan with gigabit bandwidth, but if your actual throughput is much lower due to issues like network congestion or outdated hardware, you won't experience the full speed you're paying for. 

Why does network throughput matter?

Throughput is the true measure of your network's performance. 

It impacts everything from how quickly your files download to the quality of your video calls. By understanding and measuring your throughput, you can pinpoint bottlenecks, troubleshoot problems, and get the most out of your network investment.

How to calculate network throughput

Accurately calculating throughput helps in monitoring and improving network performance. Calculating network throughput might seem technical, but we'll break it down into simple steps. 

Here's how you can get a handle on your network's actual performance:

Identify key network parameters

Before diving into the math, you need to understand a few key factors that influence throughput:

• Bandwidth: This is your network's "speed limit," the theoretical maximum amount of data it can transfer per second. Think of it like the width of a highway. It's usually specified by your Internet provider or the specs of your network equipment.
• Latency: This is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another in your network. High latency means data takes longer to arrive, like a traffic delay. You can measure latency using commands like ping.
• Packet loss: This refers to data packets that get lost in transit as if a few cars vanished from the highway. Packet loss often happens due to network congestion or hardware problems. You can measure it by sending a large number of packets and seeing how many are successfully received. A tool like Traceroute lets you trace IPs to see where your data loss is happening.

Familiarize yourself with the basic throughput formula

The simplest way to calculate throughput is:

Throughput = Amount of Data Transferred / Time Taken

For example, if you transfer a 100 MB file in 10 seconds, your throughput would be 10 MB per second.

Use tools for throughput measurement

Here are a few tools that can give you more detailed and precise throughput measurements:

• The Meter Speed Test: This tool generates network traffic and measures the maximum throughput your network can handle. It tests speeds on your local network from your client device to the Meter security appliance.
• SNMP management software: Use a tool like the powerful Meter Dashboard to access the Simple Network Management Protocol for monitoring aspects of your network devices, including routers, switches, servers, and throughput. It's often used for ongoing monitoring and can alert you to performance problems. This helps network managers identify and resolve issues quickly, ensuring the network runs smoothly and efficiently

Which factors can affect network throughput? 

Several factors can influence how much data successfully travels from one point to another. Let’s put some of them under the lens:

• Network congestion can hinder throughput: Too many devices or users trying to send data at once can clog up your network, like a traffic jam. This is a common issue during peak hours or when lots of people are streaming or downloading large files.
• Hardware limitations can create bottlenecks: The age and capabilities of your network equipment, like routers and switches, can bottleneck your throughput. Older or lower-quality hardware might not be able to handle the demands of modern Internet usage.
• Packet loss and errors disrupt data flow: Sometimes, data packets get lost or corrupted in transit. This can be caused by faulty hardware, signal interference (in wireless networks), or other issues. When packets are lost, they need to be re-sent, which slows things down.
• Latency adds delays: High latency can be caused by distance, network congestion, or inefficient routing. It's like a long, winding road—even if it's wide, it still takes a while to get to your destination.
• Software and configuration issues can cause problems: Outdated software, misconfigured settings, or even malware can all hinder your network's performance.
• External factors can influence your experience: Even if your own network is in tip-top shape, problems with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can affect your throughput. If their network is congested or experiencing issues, you'll feel the effects.

Things you can do to improve your network throughput

Beyond simply measuring throughput, there are actionable steps you can take to enhance your network's performance and speed. By investing in better hardware, optimizing settings, managing traffic, and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure your network operates at its full potential.

Let’s look at these steps in depth:

Upgrade your hardware

Modern networking demands modern equipment. Upgrading to high-performance routers and switches designed for today's bandwidth-intensive applications can significantly improve your throughput. If you postpone hardware upgrades, you’re more likely to have problems like equipment failures, less support for security upgrades, and incompatibilities with new software.

Look for routers supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E which offer faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices. Consider features like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), a technology in modern Wi-Fi routers that allows communication with multiple devices simultaneously rather than one at a time. This increases the network’s efficiency and speed, especially in environments with many connected devices, ensuring smoother and faster Internet connections for all users.

Don't overlook the importance of cabling. Upgrading to Cat6 or fiber optic cables guarantees higher data transfer rates and minimizes signal loss compared to older Cat5e cables. 

Fiber optic cables, in particular, offer exceptional speed and are ideal for long-distance connections or environments with high electromagnetic interference.

Make sure your network configuration is well-optimized

Your network's settings play a crucial role in ensuring efficient data flow, minimizing latency, and maximizing overall network performance. Without optimization, businesses may face significant issues such as slow network speeds, frequent connectivity problems, and increased vulnerability to security threats, which can disrupt operations.

Quality of Service (QoS) settings are a prime example. By configuring QoS, you can prioritize specific types of traffic, such as VoIP calls or video conferencing.

This helps you make certain they get the bandwidth they need even when your network is busy. The result is less lag and jitter, leading to smoother real-time communication.

Load balancing is another technique that can help optimize your network. If you have multiple Internet connections or servers, load balancing distributes traffic across them, preventing any single resource from becoming overwhelmed. 

This not only improves throughput but also increases reliability, as your network can better handle failures or spikes in usage.

Reduce network congestion

Network congestion is a major bottleneck for throughput. When too many devices are competing for bandwidth, everything slows down. Segmenting your network into smaller, more manageable parts is a good strategy to address this. 

VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) or subnets can isolate different types of traffic or departments, reducing the overall load on any given segment. ​​allowing different groups of devices to communicate as if they are on distinct networks. VLANs improve security and efficiency by isolating sensitive data and reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic within an office network.

Traffic shaping is another useful tool. Techniques like rate limiting or prioritization allow you to control how much bandwidth certain applications or devices can use.

Boost wireless performance

For Wi-Fi networks, optimizing channel selection can make a noticeable difference. Wi-Fi channels can overlap, causing interference and slowing down your connection.

Use tools like a Wi-Fi analyzer to identify the least congested channels in your area and switch your network to those channels for better performance.

Signal boosters or extenders can help improve Wi-Fi coverage and strength, particularly in larger spaces. Strategically placing them can eliminate dead zones and ensure a consistent signal throughout environments.

Make maintenance a regular practice

Maintaining a healthy network is an ongoing process. Regularly updating the firmware on your network devices is crucial, as these updates often contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements.

Conducting periodic network audits is another good practice. These audits help spot issues before they become major problems. You can use network monitoring tools to analyze traffic patterns, check for bottlenecks, and diagnose any performance issues that may arise.

Best practices to keep your network throughput high

Keeping your network running smoothly isn't just about fixing problems when they arise. Taking proactive steps can help you maintain high throughput, prevent issues, and ensure your network is always ready to meet your demands. 

Here are some best practices you should follow:

Use regular monitoring as your early warning system

Consistently monitoring your network is like having a checkup for your network's health. By tracking key metrics like throughput, latency, and packet loss, you can catch potential problems before they cause major slowdowns. 

There are many network monitoring tools available, Meter being a standout option. These tools can alert you to issues in real time, allowing you to act quickly to prevent significant downtime or disruptions.

Educate your users

Sometimes, the biggest threat to your network's performance can be the users themselves. Activities like excessive downloading, streaming, or running bandwidth-intensive applications can strain your network. 

Educate your users about how their actions impact throughput and encourage responsible usage during peak hours. Simple steps like scheduling large downloads for off-peak times or using lower-quality video settings for streaming can make a big difference.

Document everything

Your network isn't static—it evolves over time. Maintaining clear and up-to-date documentation is crucial for troubleshooting and future improvements. Keep track of your network's topology, the devices you have, their configurations, and any changes you make.

When problems do crop up, good documentation can help you quickly identify the root cause and get back up to speed. It also guarantees that anyone managing your network (including your future self!) has the information they need to make informed decisions.

Next steps

Upon reading this blog post, you now know more about how to calculate throughput in your network. That’s not the end of the line, though. The challenge is to make sure it’s high and stays high. 

Meter is a Network as a Service solution that facilitates network management, ensuring your throughput stays consistently high and uninterrupted. Meter also supports your network engineers by managing network operations, ensuring your throughput stays consistently high and uninterrupted.

Our end-to-end solution takes the complexity out of network operations, from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support.

Here's how Meter keeps your network running smoothly:

• Free upgrades and relocations: We automatically provide you with the latest equipment and even relocate your entire network at no extra cost if you move. This means your network is always equipped to handle the latest demands.
• Custom hardware and centralized platform: Meter's in-house designed hardware, including security appliances, switches, and wireless access points, easily integrates with our intuitive dashboard. 

This platform gives you complete visibility and control over your entire network, simplifying management and eliminating the need for multiple vendors.

• Built-in security: Meter's network includes DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities to safeguard your data and prevent unauthorized access. Real-time insights and alerts inform you of potential threats, allowing you to respond proactively.
• 24/7 operations: We make sure your network stays running. Our support team will address minor issues remotely and dispatch technicians promptly for more complex problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum throughput.

Try out Meter yourself. Learn how we can set up your network and help you handle your network throughput with our all-encompassing Network as a service solution.