Gbps (Gigabits per second) – Quick Guide
Core Idea: 1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 bits per second (≈125 MB/s). Used to express high‑speed network / internet throughput.
Formula & Relationships
- Mbps = Gbps × 1000
- MB/s = Gbps × 125 (because 8 bits = 1 byte)
- Tbps = Gbps ÷ 1000
Quick Reference
- 0.5 Gbps = 500 Mbps = 62.5 MB/s
- 1 Gbps = 1000 Mbps = 125 MB/s
- 2.5 Gbps = 2500 Mbps = 312.5 MB/s
- 10 Gbps = 10000 Mbps = 1250 MB/s
3‑Step Conversion (Gbps → MB/s)
- Take Gbps value (e.g. 2.5)
- Multiply by 125
- Result: 2.5 × 125 = 312.5 MB/s
Typical Uses
- Gigabit home / office fiber (1–2.5 Gbps)
- Enterprise uplinks (10–40–100 Gbps)
- Data center / backbone aggregation
- High‑res media, backup & replication
Accuracy & Reality
- Real throughput ≈ 85–95% of line rate (protocol overhead)
- Use wired for consistent gigabit; Wi‑Fi peak ≠ sustained
- Differentiate Gbps (bits) vs GB/s (bytes)
Examples
- 1 GB file on 1 Gbps: 8 seconds (ideal)
- 50 GB backup on 2 Gbps: (50×8)/(2) ≈ 200 s ≈ 3m20s
- 10 Gbps link copying 300 GB: (300×8)/10 ≈ 240 s (4 min)
FAQ
Gbps vs GB/s? Divide by 8 for GB/s. Why not full speed? Overhead, latency, server limits. Need gigabit? Multiple 4K streams / large file workflows / many devices.
Tip: Quick mental math: Half Gbps → ~62.5 MB/s (just halve 125).