Capacity

Definition - What does Capacity mean?

In the context of networks, capacity is the complex measurement of the maximum amount of data that may be transferred between network locations over a link or network path. Because of the amount of intertwined measurement variables and scenarios, actual network capacity is rarely accurate.

Capacity is also known as throughput.

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Techopedia explains Capacity

Capacity depends on the following variables, which are never constant:

Network engineering
Subscriber services
Rate at which handsets enter and leave a covered cell site area

Wireless carriers are pushed to increase network capacity to accommodate user demand for high-bandwidth services. Until recently, subscribers used wireless networks to make calls or send Short Message Service (SMS)/Multimedia Message Service (MMS) messages. Today, capacity is required to handle increased subscribers and additional services, including:

Web browsing
Facebook updates
Digital file downloads, like e-books
Streaming audio/video
Online multiplayer games

Because of marginal network capacity costs, providers focus on offering packaged and a la carte services, such as location-based add-ons and products, like ring tones, to create additional revenue with negligible operational expense effect.

This definition was written in the context of Network