Latency is the time delay between sending and receiving data over a network or system. Specifically, it measures how long it takes for a data packet to travel from one point to another, often expressed in milliseconds (ms)
. In networking, latency refers to the delay between a user's action (like clicking or sending a request) and the response they receive. This delay includes all the steps data must go through, such as DNS lookup, TCP handshake, and data transmission across the network
. Latency is influenced by factors such as:
- The physical distance between the source and destination (longer distances increase latency)
- Network infrastructure and the number of intermediate nodes or devices data must pass through
- Network congestion and data packet size
- The speed of the transmission medium, which is always less than or equal to the speed of light
Latency is distinct from bandwidth (the volume of data that can be transmitted per second) and throughput (the actual amount of data successfully transmitted over time)
. Low latency means minimal delay, resulting in faster response times and better user experience, which is critical for real-time applications like gaming, video calls, and financial trading. High latency causes noticeable lag and can degrade application performance
. For example, traditional 4G networks have latency around 200 ms, while 5G technology can reduce latency drastically to about 1 ms, enabling near real- time communication and new applications in various sectors
. In summary, latency is the measure of delay in data communication, crucial for network performance and user satisfaction, especially in time-sensitive digital applications.
