Latency

In technology, and particularly in networking technology and real-time applications such as VR and AR, latency refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from the sender to the receiver.

Low latency is crucial for a smooth and immersive user experience.

The importance of network latency

In networks, latency determines how quickly data packets move from one point to another. High latency can cause delays that result in slow loading times and poorer performance. This is particularly problematic for applications that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing or online gaming.

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) latency

Low latency is essential for immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Any delay in data transmission can cause discomfort when moving around and affect the user experience. Developers in these fields therefore strive to achieve the lowest possible latency.

How can latency be reduced?

There are several approaches to reducing latency. These include optimizing the network infrastructure, using faster data transfer protocols, and using edge computing to process data closer to the end user.

These measures help to minimize delays and ensure smooth data transmission.

Facts and features

• Measurement: Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).
• VR and AR: In virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), low latency is critical for an immersive and enjoyable user experience.
• Motion sickness: High latency in VR can lead to motion sickness and nausea.
• Edge computing: Edge computing processes data closer to the end user, reducing latency.
• Protocols: Data transfer protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP have different latency characteristics, with UDP often preferred for low-latency applications.
• Relevance in Telecommunications: In telecommunications, latency is a critical parameter that affects the quality of voice and video calls.

FAQs

How does latency impact video streaming?
Latency can cause delays or buffering when streaming video, especially if the internet connection is unstable or the servers are far away. This typically results in longer waits before the video starts or interruptions during playback.

Why is latency important for online gaming?
In online gaming, high latency can lead to delayed responses that put the player at a significant disadvantage. Games that require fast response times, such as first-person shooters or racing games, are particularly susceptible to high latency.

What is the role of latency in cloud computing?
In cloud computing, latency impacts how quickly data can be transferred between the end device and the cloud servers. High latency can impact the performance of cloud-based applications and services, which can have a negative impact on productivity.

What is the difference between latency and bandwidth?
Latency measures the delay in data transmission, while bandwidth measures the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given time. High bandwidth can move a large amount of data quickly, but high latency can delay the time it takes to move that data.

Industry standards

• IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet Standards) - These standards define physical and MAC layer specifications for wired Ethernet networks that enable low-latency data transmission. (Source)
• ITU-T G.114 (One-Way Transmission Time) - This recommendation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provides guidelines for acceptable latency for voice transmission in telecommunications networks. (Source)
• RFC 2544 (Benchmarking Methodology for Network Interconnect Devices) - This document describes methods for benchmarking the latency and other performance parameters of network devices.
• RFC 792 (Internet Control Message Protocol - ICMP) - ICMP is used for error reporting and diagnostics in networks, including measuring latency using ping commands.
• MEF 23.1 (Carrier Ethernet Class of Service - Phase 2) - This standard defines the quality of service (QoS) requirements, including latency, for Carrier Ethernet networks.