How are camera data rates typically expressed?

Camera data rates are typically expressed in bits or megabits per second (Mbps) rather than in bytes or kilobytes. This is because network bandwidth and data transfer speeds are fundamentally measured in bits, which provides a clearer understanding of how quickly data can be transmitted over a network.

When discussing video quality and streaming capabilities, using bits as a unit allows for standardized comparisons between different camera specifications and network conditions. For example, a camera that operates at a higher bit rate can transmit more data every second, resulting in better image quality and smoother video playback.

In the context of video surveillance and networking, expressing data rates in bits also aligns with how bandwidth is allocated and managed within network infrastructures, impacting how many cameras can be supported simultaneously on a given network without degradation of performance.