1Gbs

1 Gbps stands for one gigabit per second, a unit of data-transfer rate used to describe network bandwidth. One gigabit equals 1,000,000,000 bits, so 1 Gbps equals 1×10^9 bits per second. In many contexts, this rate represents the line speed rather than the true payload throughput; overhead from protocols and signaling reduces usable data.

The most common 1 Gbps Ethernet standard is 1000BASE-T, defined in IEEE 802.3ab, which uses copper twisted pair cabling (Cat5e or better) and supports up to 100 meters between devices. Other 1 Gbps Ethernet variants exist, including fiber-based options; however, 1000BASE-T remains the dominant indoor LAN option due to cost and compatibility.

In real use, devices such as network interface cards, switches, and storage systems connect at 1 Gbps. With overhead, practical throughput is typically lower than the nominal rate, often around 70-90% of 1 Gbps depending on the network protocol and traffic patterns.

Use cases include home broadband connections marketed as 1 Gbps, enterprise LANs, data centers, and backhaul links. It remains a baseline for modern local networks, with higher-speed options like 10 Gbps increasingly common for backbones and servers.