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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### Bandwidth [Definition and a unit of bandwidth](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bandwidth#section-3) [The importance of bandwidth in analogue and digital telephony](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/bandwidth#section-4) # Bandwidth In the strictest sense of the term, bandwidth is the margin between a minimum and maximum frequency. However, in the data and communications technology world, the term bandwidth is usually used as a synonym for data transfer rate or transmission speed. ### Definition and a unit of bandwidth In the original meaning of bandwidth the units of measurement was the hertz (Hz) and multiples thereof, such as kilohertz or megahertz. In terms of data transfer rate, bandwidth is a measure of how much data can be transmitted via a given medium, during a particular unit of time, with the unit being bits per second. Due to the high data transmission rates in modern networks, however, kilobits, megabits and gigabits per second are more commonly used units. ### The importance of bandwidth in analogue and digital telephony The bandwidth of an [analogue telephone](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/analogue-telephone-lines) is located between the lower limit frequency of 300 Hz and the upper limit frequency of 3,400 hertz (a bandwidth of 3.1 kilohertz), which is high enough quality to transmit a voice that can be understood. However, high-quality HD telephony uses a wider range. In digital telephony, the typical data rate of an uncompressed call is 64 kilobits per second. With [Voice-over-IP telephony](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) further data is needed for the communication protocols and the overhead, so around 100 kilobits per second, in both directions of transmission, should be expected for a VoIP call. Thanks to modern compression methods and codecs, the data rate needed can be reduced considerably. This means that modern systems are able to transfer calls with a bandwidth requirement of just eight kilobits per second or less. If a [telephone system is to be operated as a cloud service](/gb/en/products/cloudya) through an Internet connection, the bandwidth of the connection is the main factor in determining the maximum possible number of parallel calls. It is important that sufficient bandwidth is available for the total number of possible simultaneous voice channels, in both directions of transmission. With [ADSL](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/adsl) connections, which have low upload data rates compared to the download data rates, the upload bandwidth is the limiting factor of such a system. ### Related Articles ### Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) **What is VoIP?** The **Voice over Internet Protocol,** also called IP telephony, is a method of communication for making calls over a broadband Internet connection as an alternative to regular calls made over an analogue phone using the [PSTN](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/pstn). These VoIP calls can happen entirely over the Internet but where required, gateways also link to the PSTN. This means that VoIP users can still connect to anyone with a telephone number including local, mobile, and international numbers. VoIP services can be accessed from a computer with a so-called [softphone,](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/softphones) from an IP phone, from a smartphone or from a conventional landline phone that is connected to a VoIP adapter. [Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) ### Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) The acronym ADSL stands for the technical term Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and refers to a standard frequently used for the broadband Internet access system DSL. ADSL allows copper twin wire, conventionally used for telephony, to transmit data with a high bandwidth. The transfer rates for upload and download are asymmetrical and reflect the common usage of Internet consumers. The download rate is a multiple of the upload rate. With increasing signal loss in copper wire at high frequencies, the maximum transfer rate is highly dependent on the distance from the user to the local exchange. The remote terminal of the ADSL connection and the ADSL modem or router is formed by the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) of the network operator. It handles a number of ADSL connections and is operated as an indoor DSLAM at the central exchange or as an outdoor DSLAM in a street cabinet or at any other central point. 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