Throughput

In reference to computer networks, the term throughput and bandwidth are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Bandwidth is the data rate that can be supported by your network connections and pipelines while throughput is the amount of data moved within a specific period of time.

Throughput -- Cost Reduction

Paying for bandwidth can be one of the largest expenses associated with a company's Internet operations if they have high throughput applications or transactions. Companies aggressively negotiate bandwidth pricing at the start of hosting or telecom contracts if they have high throughput requirements, but surprisingly few do much about monitoring its usage on an ongoing basis. Bandwidth monitoring can identify throughput bottlenecks as well as underutilized pipelines. It also can verify that a telecom pipeline provider is billing correctly and is meeting their service level agreements.

Throughput -- Capacity Planning

Another reason to monitor bandwidth and throughput is for capacity planning. You need to know how throughput fluctuates at different times of the day as well as from month to month if you are to make an informed decision about capacity growth or contraction.

A throughput monitor can be well worth the investment and is something you should ask your hosting company to provide.