- If you don't know, now you know. - Destiny 2, a little light reading, by stri..

Network manipulation, vs. LAG, vs. Latency:

I'll attempt to break it down in the simplest terms to keep this as short as possible. 

- Network manipulation (lag switching in particular), is typically accomplished by using outside influences.

Generally a device that periodically interrupts consistent data flow.

It can be seen clearly in characters hopping, and blinking rapidly to nearby locations.

- Lag is when there is either server overload, or your home or personal isp connection/device has line errors, or hardware inadequacy. 

It can often be noticeable via character freezing, slowed responses, and/or inconsistent visual and audio cues.

- Latency is the worst one however, and coincidentally the hardest to pin-point as it is usually only visible on the end of the affected individual.

It's also the most complicated, and often occurs as a result of distance or server inefficiencies.

For example..

If you're in the United States, and I'm in Canada (which I am), p2p connected devices will run from the nearest server node. This is amplified if the accumulated addresses of the majority of match players, are connecting from greater distances.

In such circumstances, for you (the majority), the "ping-pong" effect will have less distance to travel. Therefore your response time is heightened, and mine is delayed.

So even if I get the jump on you, or have a character advantage, it all depends on the fact, that what is occurring on my screen is different than yours..

Which despite individual coordination or skill, will inevitably cause us to react at separate times. 

In my view, if I've shot you say three times or more, I'll only see that you've hit me once or twice.

In reality however, I just haven't seen the actuality, that you've already shot me several more times than that.

If paying attention, this situation provides one of two indicators.

Either you will appear to me as though you've hit me minimally, or all of your shots will register instantaneously.

A good example of that is a hand cannon.

A gun that shoots relatively slowly compared to other guns, will suddenly seem to have auto-rifle speed, as it'll hit many times in quicker succession than is possible for that particular weapon.

Now combine that with having a better loadout, or weapons that your opponent was perhaps unable to yet acquire, or has for whatever reason decided not to use in this particular match..and suddenly you'll appear to be cheating to that individual, even though you're really not. 

..AND you'll likely see a higher K.D. ratio as a result; although you've unknowingly had an unfair advantage. 

Ultimately, latency is less to do with your internet, and more to do with your specific location (the location of the player majority), and the path all user data packets must travel to reach the nearest servers or routing points. 

Latency also typically occurs periodically, and sporadically (dependent upon fluctuating factors) rather than consistently.

THIS is why dedicated servers are sooo imperative to games that incorporate online, competitive play.

They help to eliminate partitioning, and circumvent the need for "sunsetting", drip-feeding, content rotation, and a myriad of other game limitations that would otherwise be unnecessary, and unnoticed. 

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