Network latency, also known as lag or ping time, is the time it takes for data to travel from one point on a network to another. It is measured in milliseconds (ms) and represents the delay between an action being initiated and the response being received. Lower latency indicates a faster network connection, while higher latency indicates a slower connection.

Factors that Cause Network Latency

The physical distance between the sender and the receiver: Data travels at a finite speed, and the longer the distance, the longer it takes for data to reach its destination.

The type of network connection: Fiber optic networks typically have lower latency than copper wire networks, as fiber optic cables can transmit data at much higher speeds.

The number of devices and networks that data must pass through: The more devices and networks that data must traverse, the more opportunities there are for delays.

Congestion on the network: When a network is congested with data traffic, data packets may have to wait in a queue, increasing the overall latency.

Impact of Network latency

Real-time communication: Applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and voice chat are highly sensitive to latency, as delays can cause disruptions and impair the user experience.

Financial trading: In high-frequency trading, where traders make split-second decisions based on market data, latency can have a direct impact on profitability.

Web browsing: While not as critical as real-time communication or financial trading, high latency can still affect the perceived responsiveness of web pages, leading to a frustrating user experience.

Reducing network latency is an ongoing challenge for network engineers and infrastructure providers, as it requires optimizing network hardware, software, and routing protocols.