A latency test measures the amount of time needed to move data messages from one point within a computer network to another. Latency times are usually measured in nanoseconds.
When are latency tests relevant?
Latency tests are critical in networks with low or ultra-low latency requirements. In these types of networks the goal is to process data in real-time, meaning the information is recorded within nanoseconds of its creation; the less latency (delay), the better.
Why perform a latency test?
Latency tests help organizations measure the amount of latency in the system. As a result, they can predict whether the system will meet low latency requirements, and take action when needed to reduce latency before critical data is lost.
How are latency tests performed?
There are many messaging use cases that an organization might wish to latency test. A common one is latency in processing messages between threads on a multi-core server. Vendors of low latency messaging transport software benchmark their systems under a range of conditions and will make these benchmark results available to prospective clients, thus giving customers a reasonable expectation for how the system will perform in production.
