What does "bandwidth throttling" mean?

Bandwidth throttling specifically refers to the intentional slowing down of Internet service by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network administrator. This practice may be employed for several reasons, such as to manage network congestion, reduce the amount of data being used by certain customers, or enforce data caps imposed on users.

When bandwidth is throttled, users may experience slower download and upload speeds, leading to delays in streaming or downloading content. This can create frustration for consumers, especially if they are unaware that their bandwidth is being intentionally limited. Such actions are often justified by ISPs in the interest of providing a fair distribution of resources or maintaining overall network performance, particularly during peak usage times.

In contrast, the other concepts presented do not capture the essence of bandwidth throttling. Adjusting bandwidth based on user demand, optimizing network speed automatically, or limiting data consumption to prevent overuse all involve different approaches to managing an Internet connection rather than the deliberate reduction of bandwidth speeds characteristic of throttling.