What is latency in telecom?

Latency in Telecom: Definition and Impact

Latency in telecommunications refers to the delay or time lag between the initiation of a data transmission and its reception by the intended recipient. It is a critical factor in determining the quality of service (QoS) in telecom networks, particularly for real-time applications such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP), video conferencing, and online gaming124.

Causes of Latency in Telecom

1. Propagation Time: This is the time it takes for data to travel between two points, directly influenced by the physical distance between them5.
2. Routing and Switching Time: Delays occur when data is routed through multiple links and switches, which can involve buffering at intermediate routers5.
3. Network Congestion: When networks are congested, packets are queued, leading to delays and potential retransmissions5.
4. Hardware and Software Limitations: The type of transmission medium, packet size, and processing capabilities of network devices can also affect latency13.

Impact of Latency

• User Experience: High latency can lead to poor user experience, causing interruptions in video and audio streams and making applications unusable12.
• Application Performance: It can significantly impact the efficiency of data-dependent applications, especially those requiring real-time communication34.
• Business Operations: For businesses, minimizing latency is crucial for enhancing productivity and efficiency, particularly in sectors like finance and media streaming3.

Managing Latency

Telecom providers use various strategies to minimize latency, including network optimization techniques, quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, and advanced technologies like edge computing to prioritize critical data traffic13.