What Is Latency?

Latency is the delay between sending data and receiving a response. Lower latency means faster, more responsive connections.

Latency vs speed

  • Speed measures throughput. Latency measures response time.
  • Fast speeds with high latency can still feel laggy.

What affects latency

  • Distance to servers and network routing.
  • Wi‑Fi interference and weak signal.
  • Congestion and overloaded routers.

How to reduce latency

  • Use Ethernet when possible.
  • Choose nearby servers for gaming and tests.
  • Restart your modem/router if latency spikes.

Related Guides

Quick Answers

What is the most common mistake?

Relying on a single test result or ignoring Wi‑Fi conditions is the most common mistake.