A crucial concept discussed in IT and tech meetings, referring to the delay or lag in data transmission when data travels between devices over a network. This delay can result from various factors, including the physical distance that data must traverse, network congestion, processing delays in routers or switches, or even the type of network technology being used. Understanding and managing network latency is paramount for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of digital communication, particularly in scenarios requiring real-time data transfer, such as video conferencing, online gaming, or financial transactions. IT professionals and network administrators often analyze network latency to identify and address bottlenecks or performance issues, ultimately striving to optimize network performance and reduce delays, thus enhancing the user experience and system responsiveness.