Signal latency

Signal latency is the delay between when a signal (such as data or communication) is sent and when it is received. It occurs because signals travel at a finite speed through cables, air, or fiber optics, and any processing or routing adds additional time. In practical terms, latency affects how quickly information reaches its destination. For example, in video calls or online gaming, lower latency means less lag and more responsive interactions, while higher latency can cause delays and disrupt real-time communication. Overall, latency is a key factor in the speed and efficiency of digital communication systems.