Nguyễn Đình ThuyênAn open notebook
EN
Change colour theme
← Networks
02 / Foundations · 2 min

Fast is more than a speed test

Bandwidth, delay, variation in delay and packet loss describe different parts of network quality.

In 30 seconds

  1. Bandwidth is a capacity; throughput is the achieved transfer rate.
  2. Latency measures delay; jitter describes its variation.
  3. Record where, when and how you measured before comparing results.
Make it concrete

A download can finish quickly while a call still breaks up. Compare packet loss and jitter as well as Mbps.

  1. 01Capacity
  2. 02Delay
  3. 03Consistency
Concept diagram · simplified for learning
Check your understanding

Can two links with the same Mbps feel different during a video call?

Learning paths →

Go to the source

Sources reviewed: 13.09.2026