Why latency can vary from one test to another

Latency changes with congestion, Wi-Fi conditions, device activity, and the route to a server.

Latency is the time a small network request takes to travel and receive a response. It can change from moment to moment when the local network is busy, a Wi-Fi signal is affected by distance or interference, or the route between the connection and the measurement server changes.

To compare latency fairly, stop data-heavy activity and repeat tests from the same location. A wired connection often removes one source of variation, but it does not remove congestion outside the home or changes in the wider network.

A single high or low reading is a measurement result for that instant, not a complete diagnosis. Review several readings and note whether the variation appears only on Wi-Fi, at a particular time, or while another device is active.