What is the effect of high latency in a network?

High latency in a network refers to the delay that occurs when data is transmitted from one point to another. When latency is high, it means that there is a noticeable lag in the time it takes for packets of data to travel across the network. This results in delays in communication, which can significantly affect the performance of applications, especially those that require real-time interactions such as online gaming, video conferencing, or VoIP calls. Users may experience buffering, lagging, or unresponsive applications as a consequence of this increased latency, making it a critical factor in assessing network performance.

In contrast, high latency does not lead to increased data throughput, faster response times, or inherently higher security measures, as those aspects are influenced by different factors within the network architecture and design. Thus, the effect of high latency is primarily characterized by the noticeable delays it introduces in data transmission.