text: When we hear each other through the air, latency is predictable, because we know the speed of sound, and also beyond our control, since other than moving closer together, nothing we can do will reduce it. But when we perform over networks, both of those aspects are reversed: Latency is very difficult to predict, since it depends on numerous factors, and while we can’t control it entirely, our tools and our choices — including complex software settings — make a significant impact.