In the context of user experience, what does latency typically refer to?

Latency in the context of user experience refers specifically to the time it takes for data to travel from a source to a destination. This is a crucial factor in network performance as it directly affects how quickly a user can receive responses after initiating an action. High latency can result in delays that degrade the user experience, especially in applications that require real-time interaction, such as online gaming, video conferencing, or interactive web applications.

Understanding latency is fundamental for assessing the responsiveness of a network. For instance, when users experience a lag in latency, it can lead to frustration and a perception of poor service quality. Therefore, minimizing latency is a critical goal in network design and optimization to enhance user satisfaction and performance outcomes.