What does throughput measure in a network?

Throughput measures the amount of data successfully transmitted over a network in a given amount of time, typically expressed in bits per second (bps). This metric is crucial for understanding the efficiency and performance of a network, as it reflects the actual data transfer capability under real-world conditions, which can be affected by various factors like network congestion, protocol overhead, and physical limitations.

In contrast to other metrics, throughput focuses specifically on the pace at which data travels through the network rather than the maximum bounds or limitations of the network's infrastructure. For instance, while one may have a high bandwidth (or maximum data load capacity), the actual throughput may vary based on the conditions during data transmission.

The other options suggest different networking concepts: maximum data load capacity is related to bandwidth, travel time for data packets refers to latency, and the number of users connected pertains to connection management, none of which accurately describe throughput. Throughput, as defined, emphasizes the measure of bits transferred over time, making it critical for evaluating the performance of network operations.