What Does 'Latency' Mean?

Latency is the time it takes for a signal or a request to be transmitted and received by a system. It is a measure of how long it takes for a specific process or action to be completed within a system or network.

In the context of computer networking, “latency” refers to the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from its source to its destination. This includes the time it takes for the packet to be transmitted, received, and processed by the system. Latency is often expressed in milliseconds (ms) and is an important factor in determining the overall performance and speed of a network.

There are several factors that can affect latency in a network. One of the main factors is the distance between the source and the destination of the data. The greater the distance, the longer it will take for the data to be transmitted and received.

Other factors that can affect latency include the type of connection (e.g., wired or wireless), the capacity of the network, and any interference or congestion that may occur.

Latency is important for a variety of applications and systems, including real-time communication, online gaming, and streaming video. High latency can lead to delays and disruptions in these types of applications and have a negative impact on the user experience.

There are several ways to reduce latency in a network. One common approach is to use high-speed connections and technologies, such as fiber optic cables and 5G networks.

Another approach is to optimize the routing of data packets to ensure that they are transmitted as efficiently as possible.

Finally, network devices and systems can be configured to prioritize certain types of traffic to help reduce latency for critical applications.

In short, latency is the time it takes for a signal or a request to be transmitted and received within a system or network. It is an important factor in determining the overall performance and speed of a system and can be affected by various factors such as distance, connection type, and network capacity. Reducing latency can help improve the user experience for applications such as real-time communication, online gaming, and streaming video.