**What does the term "latency" refer to in network performance?**
In network performance, latency refers to the time delay experienced in transmitting data from the source to the destination. It is often measured in milliseconds (ms) and can be influenced by various factors, including network congestion, physical distance between devices, and the number of hops data packets encounter along the route. High latency can lead to slow response times and degraded user experience, particularly in applications requiring real-time communication, such as online gaming or video conferencing. Minimizing latency is essential for enhancing overall network performance.