What does the term "latency" refer to in networking?

Latency in networking specifically refers to the time delay experienced in a system before data begins to be transferred. It measures the time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination and back, encapsulating any delays introduced by the network hardware, routing, and other factors contributing to the data transmission process. This aspect is crucial for understanding the performance of network applications, especially those that require real-time communication or interaction.

In contrast, speed of data transfer pertains to how fast data flows over the network, while bandwidth relates to the maximum rate at which data can be sent over a connection at one time. The amount of data that can be transferred simultaneously is dictated by the bandwidth but does not directly define latency. Understanding these distinctions is vital for optimizing network performance and diagnosing issues related to data transmission delays.