In terms of network performance, what does latency refer to?

Latency specifically refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination and back again. This measurement is crucial for understanding network performance since it impacts how quickly users can receive information or interact with applications over the network. High latency can result in noticeable delays, making real-time applications like video conferencing or online gaming less effective.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of network performance. The first option deals with throughput, which is about how much data is handled over a specific period. The third option pertains to signal strength, which can affect connectivity but is not a direct measure of time taken for data transmission. The fourth option, total bandwidth, relates to the maximum data transfer rate of the network, but does not consider the delay involved in data travels. Therefore, the definition of latency as the time taken for data to make a round trip accurately captures its essence within the context of network performance.