What is Network Latency/Jitter?

Latency and jitter is basically a measurement of delay in network communication. There are slight differences between the two but ultimately both are metrics to measure network performance. It is typically affected by the geographical distance between the devices and the quality of the medium in which the data travels through. It is measured in milliseconds (ms) and the lower the number, the better.

Generally speaking, there isn't much you, as a consumer, can do to improve latency. However, changing your Internet Service Provider may. A network using fiber optic cables generally has a lower latency then one using copper. Satellite-based Internet service generally have poor latency and it is not recommended for real-time applications such as VoIP, video chat and online gaming.

The typical latency you can expect will be based on the type of connection to the Internet you have. For cable or fiber optic connections, you should easily see latency of 100ms or less. For satellite-based connections, this can increase to 800ms or more. A good latency for online gaming is 30ms or less. You cannot get rid of latency. The best anyone can do is to reduce it to an acceptable level for your usage.

You can use the command-line ping tool to test your latency to a server or website. Our article on ping provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to measure your network latency.

Recommended Minimum Internet Speeds

The Internet speed (bandwidth) you should subscribe to will be based on how you use it. The list below will provide guidance on the bandwidth to consider purchasing.

---

What factors affect my Internet speed?

The speed (bandwidth) you experience while on the Internet can be affected by several factors. How much these affect your Internet experience will depend on the speed you are subscribing, how much network traffic your device and other devices on your network (e.g., home network, coffee shop, hotel) are generating, and the overall performance on the network you are on. A summary of factors that can slow your speed are as follows:

• Multiple devices on your network is generating high volume of traffic. Streaming content, particularly high-quality video, can significantly reduce the available bandwidth to the Internet.
• If you are connected to your network wirelessly, you may be sitting at an area with weak wireless coverage.
• Programs on your device my be running consuming some of your bandwidth. Programs for video chat, audio chat, stock alerts, news feed, monitoring or surveillance and other that require a persistent connection to the Internet can individually or cumulatively hogging up your available bandwidth.
• The network you are on has too many devices connected to it. Public places such as hotels and airports offering free Wi-Fi will undoubtedly have many people connected to it. The collective traffic generated by the connected devices may be more than the network can handle.

---

What can I do to improve my slow Internet speed?

Before contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or mobile carrier to upgrade your service package, there may be some actions you can take to reclaim or improve your bandwidth.

• Close any unnecessary programs that are running on your device.
• If you are connected to your network wirelessly, relocate yourself closer to the wireless access point (at home, this is typically your router).
• If you are connected to your network wirelessly, relocate the wireless access point closer to your devices while avoid having concrete wall, high-power appliances, fluorescent lights and similar objects between you and the access point.
• If possible, connect to your network (to the router or network switch) with a physical Ethernet cable as oppose to wirelessly.
• Close any streaming application on devices not being used (such as TVs streaming Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime videos).
• The problem may be with the ISP and may only be intermittent. Call your provider and ask if they known service issues in your area.