Network Latency Calculator
Estimate the best-case round-trip time (RTT) over a distance.
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Enter distance to estimate latency.
The Speed of Light and Your Network
This calculator estimates the best-case network latency between two points based on the physical distance and the speed of signal propagation through a medium (like fiber optic cable). It calculates the minimum possible Round-Trip Time (RTT) as dictated by the laws of physics, providing a theoretical baseline for network performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Round-Trip Time (RTT)?
RTT, also known as ping, is the time it takes for a signal to be sent plus the time it takes for an acknowledgment of that signal to be received. This calculator estimates the absolute minimum RTT based on the speed of light.
Why isn't the signal speed 100% of the speed of light?
Light travels fastest in a vacuum. When traveling through a medium like fiber optic cable, its speed is reduced. A typical value for fiber is around 67% of the speed of light, which is used as the default in this calculator.