Low latency
Low latency
Low latency definition
Low latency refers to the amount of time it takes for a system to process and respond to a request. In general, low latency means the system will respond to requests and process them quickly, while high latency means it will take longer. Latency is important for activities like online gaming, video conferencing, or financial trading, where fast response times are essential. It significantly affects user experience because high latency often results in delays, lag, and buffering, making users frustrated. The best way to keep latency low is to choose more powerful hardware and upgrade the network infrastructure by opting for fiber cables and 5G connections.
What happens when latency is high?
- Video conferences become ineffective. Audio and video being out of sync or constant interruptions to either can make it difficult for participants to communicate.
- Disadvantage in online gaming. Players experience serious lag, which causes delays in their actions being reflected on other players’ screens. It can make the experience unenjoyable and also cause them to lose the game altogether.
- Missed financial opportunities. Financial trading may be affected by high latency, causing traders to miss profitable opportunities.
- Internet of Things devices don’t work as intended. Slow response times decrease efficiency. If you use an app to control the lights in your house, it can take several seconds for them to respond.
Further reading
See also: lag, ping