latenci

Latenci refers to the time interval between an input or stimulus and the corresponding observable effect in a system. The concept is used across many fields to quantify delays that affect performance and reliability, including computing, networking, engineering, and psychology.

In computing and networking, latency is the time from a request to its result. It comprises several components: propagation latency (signal travel time), transmission latency (time to push data onto the link), processing latency (time devices take to handle data), and queuing or buffering latency (time waiting in queues). High latency can cause slow responses, jitter, or desynchronization in real-time applications.

Latency is typically measured in milliseconds and reported as one-way latency or round-trip time. Tools such as ping and traceroute estimate latency, while application-specific probes measure end-to-end delay. Mitigation strategies include upgrading networks and hardware, deploying edge computing and caching, optimizing protocols, and reducing processing time through more efficient software. In interactive systems, latency budgets help balance delay against throughput and reliability.

In other domains, latency describes the delay between a stimulus and a response. In neuroscience and psychology, it is studied as reaction time or neural processing latency. In media, control systems, and virtual reality, predictable latency is critical for user experience and system stability. Latenci thus functions as a key metric in performance engineering, guiding design decisions and quality of service goals.