What is latency in speed test?

In the digital age, we heavily rely on the internet for most aspects of our lives. We don't understand this reliability until we run into internet connectivity issues, and our work, entertainment, and even communication take a hit. When performing internet speed tests, we often come across the term 'latency', which measures the delay in data transmission between your computer and the server.

In this blog, we will look at what is latency, what is low latency, what is latency in speed tests, how to reduce latency, and how to test internet latency.

What Is Latency?

As discussed above, latency, commonly known as 'ping', measures the delay in data transmission between your device and the server. This latency directly affects the quality of your internet connection and online activities.

Key Features of Latency:

• Measured in milliseconds (ms): Lower numbers are better.
• Round-trip time: It covers the period starting with data collection from your device through the time it reaches the server and a few steps backward.
• Impact on real-time activities: While increased latency has a greater effect on activities like video calling, gaming, and live streaming, it does not have as much on simple web browsing and file downloading.

Components That Affect Latency:

• Physical distance: The farther the data has to go, the higher the latency.
• Network congestion: It is worth mentioning that the high traffic on the network slows down the connections.
• Hardware and infrastructure: Slow data transmission is evidenced by using old routers or servers.
• Connection type: Usually, fiber-optic connections are characterized as connections with lower latency than satellite or DSL.

Latency vs. Bandwidth:

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel across a network to reach its destination. In contrast, bandwidth is the maximum amount of data sent across a network at any moment.

What Is Low Latency?

Low latency means low delay between when data is sent and received. Real-time interactions need a low latency level.

Benefits of Low Latency:

• Smoother gaming experience: Gamers move around with less lag, which allows them to act in the best manner possible in the game.
• Clearer video calls: Low latency ensures that the audio and the video are real-time.
• Faster response times: Pages are optimized for loading, thus enhancing the functionality of such websites or applications.
• Reduced buffering: Internet streaming involves providing content with no breaks in between.

Ideal Latency for Various Activities:

• Online gaming: Ideally, it should provide a near-real-time experience and not exceed 50 ms of lag time.
• Video conferencing: The acceptable response time is above this value, while under 100 ms is appreciated to continue conversations in real time.
• Streaming: Anything below 150 ms can be considered smooth while viewing the content.

How to Reduce Latency

Lowering latency results in significant improvement of the online experience, especially in the cases when immediate replies are required. Here are several methods to help you achieve lower latency:

1. Optimize Your Network Hardware

• Use a wired connection: Network cables are better than wireless connections because they are more stable and faster than the internet.
• Upgrade your router: Contemporary routers boast options that enhance traffic flow relevant to gaming and streaming the internet.
• Place your router optimally: To enhance the signal, ensure it is in a central location and has nothing blocking it.

2. Close Unnecessary Background Applications

Applications running in the background can consume bandwidth and increase latency. Closing them frees up network resources.

3. Enable Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

Many routers have QoS settings that allow you to prioritize specific devices or types of traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive activities get the bandwidth they need.

4. Monitor Network Traffic

Regularly monitor devices connected to your network and limit those consuming excessive bandwidth.

How to Test Internet Latency

Testing your internet latency is straightforward and can be done using various tools. These tests provide insights into your network's performance and help diagnose connectivity issues.

1. Using Online Internet Speed Test Tools

Several websites and apps can test your latency alongside download and upload speeds in an internet speed test. Popular options include:

• Ookla Speedtest: Measures ping, download, and upload speeds.
• Google Speed Test: A quick and reliable option directly accessible from the Google search page.
• Fast.com: Focuses on streaming performance powered by Netflix.

2. Built-In Operating System Tools

• Windows Command Prompt:
  • Open Command Prompt and type ping [website] (e.g., ping google.com).
  • This command sends packets to the website and returns the time it takes to receive a response.
• macOS Terminal: Similar commands (ping [website]) can be used in the Terminal app.

3. Gaming Consoles and Platforms

Many gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have built-in network tests that display latency.

4. Router Diagnostics

Some modern routers offer diagnostic tools within their settings interface, allowing you to test latency directly from the device.

Tips for Accurate Latency Testing:

• Test at different times: Network performance can vary throughout the day.
• Close background apps: Ensure no other applications consume bandwidth during the test.
• Test on multiple devices: This helps identify if the issue is device-specific or network-wide.

Conclusion

It is important to comprehend what latency is in an internet speed test so that the person can enhance their web experience. Low-latency services encompass gaming, video conferencing, and streaming, where fast response is desirable in seconds rather than milliseconds. If you follow the tips mentioned above in this guide, you can easily check for the test, monitor, and manage to minimize the occurrence of latency.