What does latency refer to in network communications?

Latency in network communications specifically refers to the time delay experienced during the transmission of data from one point to another within a network. It measures how long it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination. Latency is a critical factor in network performance because lower latency indicates a more responsive connection, which is especially important for applications that require real-time interaction, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

In measuring latency, various factors can play a role, including the physical distance between devices, the medium of transmission (fiber optics, copper cabling, wireless), and the processing time at intermediate devices like routers and switches. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of latency as it emphasizes the time aspect involved in data transmission rather than any quantifiable metrics related to data volume, speed of data processing, or reliability.