What does the term "latency" refer to in network performance?

Latency in network performance specifically refers to the time delay experienced before the transfer of data begins. This is a critical metric in networking because high latency can adversely impact the speed at which data is transmitted and can lead to poor performance in applications that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing or online gaming. It is often measured in milliseconds (ms) and is an important consideration in evaluating the performance of a network.

Understanding latency helps in diagnosing network issues and in optimizing performance, as lower latency is generally desirable for a smooth user experience. Factors contributing to latency can include the physical distance data must travel, routing and switching times, and any processing delays at network devices. In contrast, other options refer to different concepts: the amount of data transmitted pertains to bandwidth, the speed of the connection involves throughput rather than latency, and the number of devices connected relates to network congestion rather than the inherent delay in data transmission.