Definition
A unit of data transfer speed equal to one million bits of digital information moved per second. In aviation, it describes the rate at which avionics, datalinks, in-flight connectivity systems, and ground networks send and receive data.
Plain English
A measurement of how fast digital data moves. The higher the Mbps number, the faster information travels between devices.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics, database updates, flight planning tools, and communication equipment when describing how fast digital information can be sent or received.
Derivation
Mega comes from the Greek 'megas,' meaning large, and is used in technical units to mean one million. A bit is the smallest unit of digital information. So Mbps literally means 'millions of bits each second.'
Why Pilots Care
Higher Mbps values allow faster receipt of weather imagery, traffic data, and navigation database updates, reducing delays on the ground and in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse Mbps with MBps. Mbps means megabits per second; MBps means megabytes per second, and a byte is larger than a bit.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft's satellite link delivered weather updates at about 5 Mbps, fast enough for live radar imagery in the cockpit.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the technician confirmed the database sync was running at 10 Mbps.