Define bandwidth and latency in the context of networking.

In the context of computer networking:

1. Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network or communication channel. It is typically measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps). Bandwidth determines how much data can be transmitted over a network in a given amount of time. A higher bandwidth means that more data can be transferred, resulting in faster communication speeds.

2. Latency: Latency, also known as network latency or round-trip time, refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source to the destination and back again. It is essentially the delay between the sending of a data packet and the receiving of its acknowledgment or response. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms) and is influenced by factors such as the physical distance between devices, the speed of light, network congestion, and the processing time of devices along the route. Lower latency indicates quicker response times and better network performance.