Network reliability refers to how consistently an internet or computer network delivers data without interruption. A reliable network stays up, performs predictably, and recovers quickly when something goes wrong.

Several factors affect network reliability, including: 

• hardware quality
• network design
• how well traffic is managed during peak demand
• the physical distance data must travel
• the number of hops between points on a network
• redundancy built into the network infrastructure
• the reliability of upstream transit providers

Reliability is often measured in terms of packet loss, latency, and connection timeouts. If you are experiencing a lot of timeouts, unpredictable latency, or significant packet loss, those are indicators of an unreliable network connection. 

Reliability matters most when interruptions are costly. Video calls, VoIP, live streaming, and online gaming are all sensitive to even brief disruptions. For businesses, an unreliable network can mean dropped transactions, failed communications, and lost productivity.