Latency is the delay between a data packet being sent and received across a network. For network operators, ISPs and content providers, it is one of the most significant metrics in networking as it directly affects the responsiveness, reliability and value of every service you deliver.
Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms) and refers to the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another across a network. Lower latency means faster, more responsive connections.
What is Network Latency?
Network latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from one point to its destination, and in many cases, back again, also known as round-trip time (RTT). It’s influenced by a number of factors such as: the physical distance data must travel, the number network hops between its origin and destination, congestion along the route, and the efficiency of routing along the way.
For network engineers, latency is not just a metric, but an indicator of how efficiently your network is interconnection. Efficient routing, reliance on distance transit provides and unnecessary hops all add latency that can affect your end users – it can be reduced by peering and smarter interconnection decisions.
Why Does Latency Matter for Network Operators?
High latency can have consequences for the traffic your network carries, and can impact:
- User experience: Sluggish response times decrease the quality of experience for web, video and application traffic often resulting in churn as a result
- Real-time services: VoIP, video conferencing and live streaming applications are highly sensitive to latency, even small delays can disrupt quality and trust
- Content delivery: CDNs rely on low-latency interconnection to serve content efficiently
- Financial services: Low-latency is a must for trading platforms and financial infrastructure, where milliseconds can translate directly into commercial outcomes
What Cause High Latency in a Network?
Latency increases when data has to travel further than necessary, often caused by routing traffic through distant providers rather than exchanging it locally, excessive network hops, or congestion along its path. Backhauling traffic is also another common reasons for high latency, this is where traffic is routed to a distant interconnection hub rather than exchanging it as close to the end user as possible. Lowering latency through peering at an Internet Exchange Point (IXP), is one of the most common ways networks can mitigate any impacts.
How Peering at an IXP Reduces Latency
IXPs allow network to exchange traffic directly, through peering which enables your network to bypass routes that can often add latency and cost. By peering at an IXP, networks can reduce the number of hops data must take and shorten the distance it travels.
Direct peering also improves routing efficiency. Rather than taking a suboptimal path, peering gives network operators direct control over how traffic is exchanged with the networks that matter most to their users. Route servers make this even more efficient, allowing a single BGP session to reach hundreds of networks without the overhead of managing individual bilateral sessions.
How LINX Helps
LINX is one of the world’s largest Internet Exchange Points, with interconnection hubs strategically located across the world to help support direct, local traffic exchange. Connecting to LINX gives your network the direct interconnections it needs to keep latency low and performance high.
- Reduced distance and hops: By peering directly at LINX, data packets travel shorter distances and encounter fewer network hops, minimising latency
- Optimised routing: LINX enables networks to exchange traffic more efficiently through optimised routing. Our route servers allow a single BGP session to reach hundreds to networks via the shortest and fastest path
- Enhanced reliability: Direct peering at LINX enhances network reliability by providing redundant connectivity options
- Cost savings: Peering at LINX can also yield cost savings for network operators by reducing the reliance on transit providers for data exchange
If you’re looking for low latency interconnections solutions for your network, reach out to speak to the LINX team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between latency and bandwidth?
Bandwidth refers to the volume of data a connection can carry at once. Latency refers to the speed at which data travels.
How does peering reduce network latency?
Peering allows networks to exchange traffic directly at an Internet Exchange Point rather than routing through alternative providers. This shortens the path data must travel, and reduces the number of hops.
What is the difference between latency and ping?
Ping is a tool used to measure round-trip latency. It send a packet to a destination and measures how long it takes to receive a response. Latency is the underlying measurement.
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