8 details that the power of Broadband Internet Reduces Latency

October 4, 2023

Broadband Internet has revolutionized how we live, work, and play. With every passing year, users expect faster speeds and a smoother online experience.  

However, while much attention has been given to improving download and upload speeds, there is another critical component to our online experiences that often gets overshadowed: latency. 

National OnDemand, Inc. is doing its part to help reduce the frequency of latency issues as it brings fiber and high-speed broadband internet to the United States. We know that speed is critical in lowering latency issues, especially when a home is streaming multiple devices simultaneously. 

By providing a faster broadband internet option to customers and clients, we are helping mitigate “lag” issues across the country. National’s goal is for all Americans to have access to fiber service that is robust enough to limit, if not eliminate, these pesky lag issues that users experience far too often on a regular basis.

Understanding Latency and its Implications 

Latency, often referred to as ‘lag,’ represents the delay between a user’s action and the response from the server or device. To put it simply, it’s the time it takes for a data packet to travel from source to destination and back. High latency can mean delays in video streaming, slowed-down website loading times, interruptions in voice and video calls, and, most notably, a less-than-ideal gaming experience. 

Now, let’s delve into why decreasing latency is crucial for the future of broadband Internet. 

The Rise of Real-Time Applications 

Online gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and real-time financial transactions are just a few examples of applications that are sensitive to latency. As these applications become more prevalent and sophisticated, the demand for low latency will increase. For instance, in a virtual reality environment, even a slight delay between a user’s movement and the visual feedback can lead to motion sickness. Similarly, competitive online gamers require almost instantaneous response times to stay on top of their game.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities

The IoT ecosystem, where devices from home appliances to industrial machines are interconnected, relies heavily on timely data exchange. For a truly smart city or a fully automated home to function seamlessly, devices need to communicate with each other with minimal delay. High latency can lead to inefficiencies or even potential dangers, such as a self-driving car failing to receive a timely signal from a traffic management system.

Telemedicine and Remote Surgeries Benefit from Broadband Internet

The healthcare sector has seen a significant push towards telemedicine, especially in the wake of global pandemics and the need for social distancing. Here, latency is not just a matter of convenience but can be life-critical. Consider a surgeon operating remotely using robotic arms. The importance of real-time feedback in such scenarios cannot be stressed enough. Every millisecond counts.

Cloud Computing

With businesses and individuals increasingly relying on the cloud for storage and computing needs, the role of latency becomes even more prominent. Real-time collaboration tools, cloud-based applications, and remote work setups demand fast and responsive connections. The future of work may depend on how efficiently data can be accessed and processed from the cloud.

5G and Beyond

The telecom industry’s move towards 5G promises not just faster speeds but also significantly reduced latency. The full potential of 5G can only be realized when latency issues are adequately addressed. This is especially relevant for applications like drone operations, autonomous vehicles, and emergency response systems.

Economic Implications

Beyond user experience, there are broader economic implications to consider. As businesses increasingly shift to digital platforms, any delay or inefficiency can translate to financial losses. High-frequency trading, for instance, relies on split-second decisions. Here, even a few milliseconds of delay can translate to millions of dollars in losses.

The Path Forward

Achieving reduced latency in broadband internet is not just about upgrading hardware. It requires an orchestrated effort spanning infrastructure development, software optimization, and protocol innovations. Emerging solutions, such as Edge Computing, aim to process data closer to the source rather than relying on distant data centers. This localized approach can significantly reduce latency.

Furthermore, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and governments need to recognize the importance of low latency and invest in infrastructure that supports it. The benefits are multifaceted – from enhanced user experiences to economic advantages.

In the evolving digital landscape, where real-time interactions are becoming the norm, latency is emerging as a pivotal factor in determining the quality of online experiences.

While speed is essential, the responsiveness of connections, as determined by latency, will play an equally significant role. As we move towards a more interconnected world, with technologies that were once considered science fiction becoming a reality, the importance of decreased latency in broadband Internet will only magnify. Stakeholders across industries and sectors must recognize this and make collective efforts to pave the way for a lag-free digital future.

1. Physical Distance: One of the primary determinants of latency is the distance data must travel between the source and the destination. The further the server is from the end-user, the longer it takes for data packets to travel, especially if they must traverse intercontinental connections.
   
   
2. Medium of Transmission: The type of medium used for transmission can influence the speed at which data travels. For instance, data travels fastest in fiber-optic cables, slower in coaxial cables (used in many cable broadband internet systems), and slowest over wireless connections.
   
   
3. Network Congestion: Just as a busy highway can slow down a car’s journey, high traffic on broadband internet networks can lead to data packets being delayed. Peak usage times can cause network congestion, increasing latency.
   
   
4. Router and Modem Performance: The quality and performance of the hardware used can also affect latency. Older routers or modems might not handle high-speed data efficiently. Additionally, how these devices handle and prioritize packets can add to the delay.
   
   
5. ISP Traffic Management: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may intentionally slow down (throttle) certain types of traffic or users during peak times to manage their network load. This can cause higher latency for throttled services or users.
   
   
6. Number of Hops: Each time data is passed from one piece of networking equipment to another (like from router to server or between routers), it’s referred to as a “hop”. More hops usually mean more latency, as each transition incurs a small delay.
   
   
7. Packet Loss: Sometimes, due to network congestion or other issues, data packets are lost in transit and need to be resent. This can lead to increased latency, especially if the packet loss rate is high.
   
   
8. Network Protocol Overhead: The protocols that govern data transmission, such as TCP/IP, introduce some overhead to ensure data integrity and delivery. This overhead can contribute to increased latency in certain scenarios.
   
   
9. Software and Service Limitations: Sometimes, the backend systems or servers that provide a particular service (like a game server or a cloud service) can be a source of delay if they’re not optimized or if they’re overloaded with requests.
   
   
10. Last Mile Issues: The “last mile” refers to the final leg of the broadband internet connection that reaches the consumer. This portion can often be a bottleneck, especially in older infrastructures where the last mile might not have been updated for high-speed data transmission.
    
    
11. Interference: Especially relevant for wireless broadband internet connections, interference from other devices or physical obstructions can increase latency. This includes interference from other Wi-Fi networks, electronic devices, or even physical barriers like walls and floors.
    
    
12. Propagation Delays: In satellite broadband, the data must travel up to the satellite and then back to the Earth station. Given the distance data must cover, this can introduce significant latency, often noticeable when using services like voice calls or online gaming.

Latency in broadband internet service can be influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these can help in diagnosing issues and perfecting the user experience. Here are some major factors that contribute to latency issues

In addressing latency issues, it’s essential to consider a holistic approach, understanding that multiple factors can interact and compound delays. Proper diagnostics can help pinpoint the specific reason for increased latency, enabling targeted solutions for optimization.

The future of broadband internet with respect to addressing latency issues is bright. As technology evolves and the demands of users become more sophisticated, ISPs, governments, and tech innovators are investing heavily in developing infrastructure and solutions that cater to these needs. Here’s a snapshot of what the future of broadband looks like in addressing latency concerns:

1. 5G Networks: 5G isn’t just about faster speeds. One of its significant advantages is reduced latency. With the potential for latencies as low as 1ms, 5G could revolutionize mobile broadband and make real-time applications like augmented reality and remote surgeries more feasible.
   
   
2. Fiber-optic Expansion: Fiber-optic networks offer the fastest and most reliable wired connections available, with minimal latency. The continued expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure to more areas, including rural and underserved regions, will play a crucial role in latency reduction.
   
   
3. Edge Computing: Instead of relying on distant data centers, edge computing processes data closer to the data source, such as local servers or even on IoT devices themselves. This reduces the distance data travel, reducing latency.
   
   
4. Satellite Internet Advancements: Companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper aim to offer broadband internet via low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. LEO satellites, being closer to the Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, can offer much lower latencies, making satellite internet competitive with ground-based networks in terms of responsiveness.
   
   
5. Network Slicing in 5G: This is a feature where the 5G network can be segmented into various ‘slices,’ each optimized for distinct types of services. For example, one slice could be optimized for low latency applications while another is designed for high bandwidth.
   
   
6. Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN allows network behavior to be controlled by high-level software functions, enabling dynamic adjustments to optimize for latency based on current network conditions and demands.
   
   
7. AI-Powered Traffic Management: Leveraging machine learning and AI, future networks can predict traffic congestion and reroute data packets more efficiently, ensuring consistent low-latency performance.
   
   
8. Improved Protocols: Research is ongoing into improving or replacing traditional internet protocols (like TCP/IP) with ones that can handle data transmission more efficiently and with reduced latency.
   
   
9. Local Content Caching: By storing frequently accessed content closer to users (for instance, in local data hubs or even on ISPs’ networks), the need to fetch data from distant servers is reduced, ensuring faster access times.
   
   
10. Government and Policy Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of robust digital infrastructure, many governments are investing in or incentivizing the development of advanced broadband networks that prioritize low latency. Policies that promote competition among ISPs can also drive them to improve services and reduce latency to stay competitive.
    
    
11. Consumer Demand: As consumers become more knowledgeable about the importance of latency (and not just bandwidth), they will demand better performance from ISPs. This market demand will drive further innovation and investment in latency-reducing technologies.
    
    
12. IoT Optimization: As the Internet of Things becomes more prevalent, optimized networks that prioritize low latency for device communication will become standard.
    
    

In conclusion, the future looks promising in addressing latency issues for broadband internet users. Technological innovations, combined with market demand and supportive policies, are paving the way for a more responsive and immersive digital experience for everyone. Whether for gaming, virtual collaboration, or smart city applications, low latency will be at the heart of the digital evolution.

National OnDemand, Inc. is leading from the front, as it keeps bringing fiber to people all over the United States. We don’t want you to ever experience “lag” that keeps you from streaming and using fiber services that you expect to be able to do in your everyday life.