Download latency refers to the delay before the transfer of data begins after a request is made. It is measured in milliseconds (ms). A shorter delay indicates a more responsive network connection. For instance, if a user initiates a file download, the time elapsed between clicking the download button and the start of the data transfer is the download latency.
Reduced delay is crucial for a seamless user experience. Lower latency translates to quicker loading times for web pages, faster initiation of file transfers, and more responsive online applications. Historically, improvements in network infrastructure and protocols have steadily decreased latency, leading to significant gains in overall network performance and user satisfaction.
