What does the term 'latency' refer to in wireless communication?

Latency in wireless communication refers to the time delay that occurs between the moment a data packet is sent and the moment it is received at the destination. This delay can arise from various factors, including the time taken for the signal to travel over the air, processing time at both the sending and receiving ends, and any other delays introduced by routers or switches along the path.

Understanding latency is crucial because it affects the performance of applications, especially those that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing, online gaming, or VoIP calls. If latency is too high, users may experience issues such as lagging or delays in conversations, which can hinder the overall user experience.

The other options refer to different aspects of wireless communication. The amount of data that can be transmitted at once pertains to bandwidth, the strength of the wireless signal is tied to signal quality or signal strength, and the frequency at which data is transmitted relates to the specific wavelength used for communication. Each of these elements is important for the performance of a wireless system but does not define latency.