What term refers to the maximum data transfer rate of a network for an internet connection?

The term that refers to the maximum data transfer rate of a network for an internet connection is bandwidth. Bandwidth indicates the capacity of a network link to transmit data over a given period of time, usually measured in bits per second (bps). Higher bandwidth allows for more data to be sent simultaneously, which can improve the performance of internet connections, particularly for activities that require significant data transfer such as video streaming, large downloads, and online gaming.

In contrast, throughput refers to the actual rate at which data is successfully transmitted and received over the network. It can be affected by various factors including network congestion, and while it may be close to the bandwidth, it is not the same. Latency measures the delay before a transfer of data begins, which can impact how quickly data packets travel across the network but does not define the maximum data transfer rate. Network speed is a more generalized term and can encompass both bandwidth and latency but does not specifically refer to the maximum data transfer capacity. Therefore, bandwidth accurately defines the maximum potential for data transfer within a network connection.