Latency vs. Bandwidth: What’s Slowing Down Your Internet?

We’ve all been there — sitting in front of a loading screen, waiting for a file to upload or a video to buffer, wondering why is our internet so slow? Many people immediately assume they need "more bandwidth" — but that might not be the real issue. Sometimes, the true culprit is something else: latency.

In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between latency and bandwidth, how each affects your internet performance, and what you can do to fix speed issues in your office.

What Is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your internet connection can handle at once. Think of it like a motorway — the more lanes it has, the more cars (or data) it can move at the same time. It’s usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

More bandwidth allows:

• Multiple users to stream, upload, and download simultaneously

• Faster large file transfers

• Smoother video calls and remote work tools

But bandwidth alone doesn’t guarantee a fast experience.

What Is Latency?

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination — also known as ping. Think of it as the delay between sending a request and getting a response. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).

High latency is what causes:

• Lag in video or voice calls

• Delays when clicking links or opening files from cloud apps

• Sluggish remote desktop or virtual meeting performance

Even if you have high bandwidth, high latency can ruin the user experience.

Bandwidth vs. Latency – A Simple Analogy

Imagine you’re filling a swimming pool:

• Bandwidth is how wide the pipe is (how much water can flow at once).

• Latency is how long it takes the water to start coming out after you turn on the tap.

You could have a massive pipe (high bandwidth), but if the water takes ages to arrive (high latency), you’re still going to be waiting.

Which One Is Slowing Down Your Office Network?

Here’s how to tell what’s causing the problem:

Symptom	Likely Cause
Everything is slow all the time	Bandwidth
Sluggish response when clicking	Latency
Video buffering with multiple users	Bandwidth
Lag in video calls or online gaming	Latency

You can test both with tools like Speedtest.net, which shows download speed (bandwidth), upload speed, and ping (latency).

How to Fix Latency and Bandwidth Issues

✅ To improve bandwidth:

• Upgrade your internet plan

• Replace old routers or switches

• Segment your network (e.g. guest Wi-Fi vs. internal)

• Schedule large backups and updates outside of work hours

✅ To reduce latency:

• Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi

• Upgrade to fibre-optic broadband

• Choose local servers or cloud services with UK-based data centres

• Review your network for bottlenecks or outdated cabling

Need a Performance Check?

Don’t guess what’s slowing your team down. As an experienced IT service provider, we can perform a full network audit, identify bottlenecks, and recommend the right upgrades — whether you need more bandwidth, lower latency, or both.

Let’s optimise your network for productivity and speed. Get in touch for a free consultation today.