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What is latency?

  1. A measurement of network security

  2. The maximum bandwidth of a network

  3. A delay between a request and response

  4. The amount of data sent over a network

The correct answer is: A delay between a request and response

Latency refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination and back again. It specifically measures the delay between a request initiated by a user or system and the corresponding response received. In networking, this delay is crucial as it impacts overall network performance and user experience, especially in real-time applications like video conferencing or online gaming, where delays can disrupt communication. The other choices represent different concepts in networking. For example, measuring network security refers to the various protocols and methods used to protect data, while maximum bandwidth indicates the highest data transfer rate of a network connection. The amount of data sent over a network pertains to throughput, which is quantitatively different from latency since it deals with volume rather than the time it takes for a response. Understanding latency helps individuals assess the performance quality of a network.