What aspect of networking does the term 'latency' refer to?

Latency refers to the delay before a transfer of data occurs in a network. It measures the amount of time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source to the destination across the network. This delay can be influenced by several factors, including routing, the physical distance between devices, and congestion within the network.

Understanding latency is crucial for assessing network performance, particularly in applications where timely data delivery is essential, such as video conferencing or online gaming. Low latency is desirable for a smooth experience, while high latency can lead to noticeable delays and hinder performance.

The other choices relate to different network concepts. The amount of data being transmitted refers to bandwidth, which impacts capacity rather than delay. The frequency of data packets pertains to how often packets are sent rather than the time it takes for them to arrive. The volume of network traffic is about how busy the network is, which can contribute to latency but does not define it.