The term bandwidth is thrown around by Internet Service Providers, user and others who use the world wide web daily. However, many average computer users do not know exactly what bandwidth is. Bandwidth is the limit a connection has to do data transfers. It also is associated with the amount of data transferred to and from two computers. The latter is how much computer users associate bandwidth with their Internet. 

The more bandwidth a computer user utilizes while on an Internet connection can adversely affect those using the same connection. It starts on a single home network level, you may notice a slower response time from web sites or an overall slow connection. Resetting the router or modem will not change that, as you have already capped the bandwidth given by your ISP for a given timeframe. Once you have done that, you have to wait for the cap to reset. This may be a weekly, monthly or even longer timeframe.

On a larger level, and the reason why ISPs institute caps on bandwidth for users, is that a large scale to and from on the bandwidth scale can cause serious degradation to a larger range of network users. This means that if your particular network is using the same server to connect to the Internet via an ISP, if you tap out that server's bandwidth level, then everybody will eventually be affected as they, too, use bandwidth. This means that everyone, even those who do not use the Internet regularly, will have a slower, duller connection.

This is the primary reason why ISPs institute bandwidth caps. Most of these caps are within reason. However, some users find them constraining, especially when it comes to watching TV online, playing games over a network or other activities that involve high levels of bandwidth to be used. Some ISPs will allow users to purchase additional bandwidth usage during the month, but this is often a costly addition to their already expensive Internet service plan.