Network latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination across a network. It is typically measured in milliseconds (ms) and can be affected by factors such as physical distance, network congestion, and the efficiency of networking hardware and protocols. High latency can result in noticeable delays in communication, impacting the performance of applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and cloud services. Reducing network latency is crucial for ensuring fast and responsive digital experiences.