What is latency?

[Annahmed]

Hi there!

I was checking my internet speed on Speedtest and noticed something called latency. What exactly is it, and why is my download latency so high? Can anyone explain? Thanks!

[machinist]

Hi! Latency is basically the delay in how long it takes for data to travel between your device and a server. You’ll often see it measured in milliseconds, and it plays a big role in things like gaming, video calls, and streaming. Speedtest actually breaks it down into different types: ping (idle latency), download latency, and upload latency. If your download latency is high, it usually means your connection is getting bogged down when handling a lot of incoming data. This can happen if multiple devices are streaming or downloading at the same time, or if your internet provider’s network is congested. It might also be affected by how your router handles traffic. If you’re noticing lag, buffering, or slow load times, you might want to test your speed at different times of the day or try resetting your router to see if it helps!

[Annahmed]

I have multiple devices connected at home. Could that be making my latency worse? Also, does using a wired connection help reduce latency, or is it pretty much the same as Wi-Fi?

[machinist]

Yes, having multiple devices connected at the same time can definitely increase your latency. When several devices are using the internet, like streaming videos, gaming, or downloading files, it can create a bottleneck, especially if you have a limited bandwidth plan. This can slow things down and lead to higher latency.

As for the wired vs. Wi-Fi connection, using a wired connection (Ethernet) typically helps reduce latency compared to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can introduce interference, especially if you're far from the router or if there are a lot of devices competing for bandwidth. A wired connection usually offers a more stable and faster connection, which can help lower latency and improve overall performance.

If you’re still noticing high latency, it might also be worth checking your router’s settings or considering upgrading to a faster plan.

[Annahmed]

That makes a lot of sense! I guess that explains why my connection slows down. We have two TVs that are often streaming something, plus other devices using the internet, so I can see how that might be affecting latency.

Out of curiosity, does latency get worse depending on the type of internet connection you have? Like, would fiber have lower latency compared to cable or DSL? Also, with so many devices connected, is there a way to prioritize certain ones like my laptop, so they get a more stable connection when needed?

[machinist]

Yes, the type of internet connection you have can definitely affect latency. Fiber generally has the lowest latency because it transmits data using light instead of electrical signals, making it faster and more consistent. Cable internet usually has higher latency than fiber but is still better than DSL, which tends to have the highest latency due to the older phone-line infrastructure it uses. Satellite internet has the worst latency because signals have to travel to and from space, creating a noticeable delay.

As for prioritizing devices, many modern routers have a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which lets you prioritize certain devices or types of traffic, like gaming or video calls, to ensure they get more bandwidth and lower latency. You can check your router settings to see if this option is available. If not, upgrading to a better router with QoS could help manage your network more effectively, especially with multiple devices connected.

[Annahmed]

That makes sense about fiber and cable having different latencies! I'm curious, would upgrading to a higher-speed plan also help reduce latency, or is the connection type the main factor?