What is typically the impact of high latency on network communication?

High latency in network communication refers to the delay in the transmission of data packets across the network. This impact manifests as delayed response times, which is central to the experience of users interacting with applications and services over the network.

When latency is high, there's a noticeable lag between a user's action, such as clicking a link or sending a request, and the system's response. This can severely affect real-time applications like online gaming, video conferencing, and VoIP, where prompt communication is essential for a seamless experience. Increased latency can result in slower loading times, unresponsive applications, and overall dissatisfaction among users.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the impact of high latency. For instance, high latency does not improve data transfer speeds; instead, it slows down the effective throughput. Additionally, high latency does not contribute to increased data integrity or reduced error rates—these aspects are more related to network reliability and packet handling rather than transmission delays. Therefore, the most accurate characterization of high latency's effect is the presence of delayed response times.