Description: High latency refers to a condition where there is a significant delay in the transmission of data between two points in a network. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, such as the physical distance between devices, network congestion, the quality of communication links, and the processing capacity of the systems involved. High latency can affect the synchronization and efficiency of operations in distributed systems, as nodes must wait longer to receive and send information. In the context of DDoS protection, high latency can be an indicator of an attack, as systems may experience unusual delays in response. Additionally, high latency can negatively impact the performance of applications and services, affecting the end-user experience. Overall, high latency is a critical challenge in modern network architecture, where speed and efficiency are essential for the optimal functioning of systems.
History: High latency has been a concern since the early days of computer networking in the 1960s. With the development of ARPANET, the effects of latency on communication between nodes began to be studied. As networks evolved, especially with the advent of the Internet in the 1990s, latency became a critical factor for the performance of real-time applications, such as video streaming and online gaming. Today, research on latency remains relevant, especially with the growth of cloud computing and the need for low-latency services for business applications.
Uses: High latency is used to assess the performance of networks and distributed systems. Latency is monitored to detect anomalies that may indicate an attack in the realm of DDoS protection. Additionally, latency is measured to ensure that applications operate efficiently and that users have a smooth experience. In the development of real-time applications, such as video conferencing and online gaming, minimizing latency is sought to enhance user interaction.
Examples: An example of high latency can be observed in video conferencing applications that experience delays in audio and video transmission, affecting the quality of communication. Another case is in online gaming, where high latency can result in ‘lag’, hindering the player’s experience. In various contexts, high latency may manifest as slow response times when accessing resources or services, which can frustrate users and impact productivity.
