# What are bandwidth and latency?

Bandwidth is how much data a connection can carry per second, like the width of a road; latency is how long data takes to travel, like the travel time. A video call needs moderate bandwidth and low latency; a nightly backup needs bandwidth but tolerates latency. Both matter for security in two ways. A sudden jump in outbound bandwidth from one device can mean data theft or a malware infection. And security tools placed inline in the traffic can add latency, while passive sensors on a mirror port do not, because they only receive a copy.

FAQ: [What is…? Network and security terms](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/glossary) · https://netsenx.com/en/faq/what-is-bandwidth-and-latency

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- https://netsenx.com/en/what-is-ndr
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