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Bandwidth / WAN Sizing

Users × App Profile → Required Mbps · WAN Circuit Size

When to use: Use to determine the required WAN/internet circuit bandwidth from user count and application profile. Factors in concurrency (peak simultaneous users), overhead for protocol/retransmission, and target utilization ceiling. Recommended utilization is 70–80% to maintain headroom for bursts. Size to next standard carrier circuit above the required value.

Parameters
users
% simultaneously active
%
Typically 70–80%
%
TCP/IP headers, retransmits
%
Recommended Circuit
500
Mbps WAN circuit
Sizing Breakdown
Base Demand (peak)140.0 Mbps
With Overhead161.0 Mbps
Required at Target Util.201.3 Mbps
Recommended Circuit500 Mbps
Utilization at Design Load40.3%
References
Cisco – Enterprise WAN Design Guide
Target util: 70–80% for stable QoS
Consider SD-WAN for multi-site bonding
Add 30–50% growth headroom (3-year plan)