What does the term "bandwidth" refer to in networking?

The term "bandwidth" refers to the capacity of a network connection, specifically the amount of data that can be transmitted over that connection in a given period of time, typically measured in bits per second (bps). Higher bandwidth means more data can be sent and received simultaneously, allowing for faster data transfer rates. This is crucial for applications that require a lot of data, such as streaming video, online gaming, and large file transfers, as it directly affects performance and user experience on the network.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of networking. The number of connected devices pertains to network management and capacity but does not directly define bandwidth. The range of broadcast signals relates to how far signals can travel in wireless networking, which is about signal strength rather than data capacity. Lastly, the security of the network involves measures taken to protect data and access, which is unrelated to the definition of bandwidth.