What is Latency in the context of data transfer?

Latency in the context of data transfer refers to the delay that occurs before the actual transfer of data begins. This delay can be caused by various factors, such as the time it takes for a device to respond to a request for data or the time required for the network to establish a connection. Understanding latency is crucial since it impacts the performance of applications and systems that depend on quick data retrieval and transfer.

When assessing data transfer performance, knowing the difference between latency and other metrics, such as speed or throughput, is important. While speed relates to how fast data can be read or written, and throughput refers to the amount of data transmitted over a specific period, latency specifically measures the initial delay experienced before the data transfer starts. This distinction is vital for optimizing network performance and improving user experience in applications that are sensitive to delays.