Latency

Latency refers to the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer. It is often measured in milliseconds and represents the time taken for a signal to travel from source to destination. High latency can affect the performance of networks, applications, and user experiences.

Latency meaning with examples

• In video conferencing, high latency can lead to frustrating delays in communication, making conversations feel disjointed and unnatural. Participants may struggle to synchronize their responses, leading to interruptions and misunderstandings.
• Gamers often complain about latency in online games because even a slight delay can affect gameplay. Fast-paced games require real-time interaction, and any latency can result in missed shots or delayed actions that could determine victory or defeat.
• Website loading times are heavily influenced by latency. If the latency is too high, users may abandon a site before it fully loads, leading to lost traffic and revenue for businesses that rely on online engagement.
• In medical applications, latency can have serious implications. For example, using remote monitoring technology can save lives, but too much latency when transmitting data could delay critical interventions for patients in urgent need.
• Developers must consider latency when designing applications for mobile devices. Users expect seamless experiences, so minimizing latency can enhance performance and ensure that apps respond quickly to users’ commands, improving overall satisfaction.