Network latency is measured in what unit?

Network latency is primarily measured in milliseconds because this unit provides a practical scale for capturing the delays experienced in data transmission over networks. In most conventional network applications, the time it takes for data packets to travel from one point to another is typically in the range of milliseconds. This spans various forms of communication over the internet or local networks, where even minute delays can significantly impact performance.

While seconds can also measure larger latencies, they are not commonly used for typical network delays, which are usually shorter. Microseconds and nanoseconds are more relevant for specific high-speed applications and specialized systems rather than for general network latency experiences. Hence, milliseconds are the standard measurement unit for assessing the latency that users commonly experience in networking contexts.