I want to better understand the concept of latency in networks. Could you explain what factors generate it, how it's typically measured (in ms), and how it affects the experience in real-time applications like video games or video conferences? Also, what techniques exist to reduce it in home and business environments? I appreciate examples and references that help clarify its impact.
What is latency in networks and how does it affect performance?
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Thanks for the question! Latency is measured in milliseconds and is caused by signal transmission delays, packet processing, and channel congestion, which leads to delays and "lag" in games and video calls. You can reduce it by switching to a wired connection, configuring QoS, and optimizing routing. What type of connection are you using right now—Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
In my first at-home gaming test, I noticed that latency mainly comes from cable transmission time and overloaded routers; it’s measured in milliseconds using ping and traceroute. A 20 ms ping is barely noticeable, while anything over 100 ms starts causing noticeable delays in games and video calls. To cut it down, I switched from Wi‑Fi to a wired connection and set up QoS on the router. In business setups, we use dedicated links and edge servers to bring data closer to the user.