Many big players in the technology industry are fixated on a new standard: L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput). It is described as a new congestion control solution for latency. Simply put, L4S promises to revolutionize internet connectivity by reducing delays, improving data flow, enabling cutting-edge applications, scaling networks and prioritizing seamless user experiences. L4S is favored by giants like Apple, Nvidia and Google, but some critics fear the technology is being used to speed up ad loading.
In a digital world where every second counts, technologies that enable smooth and efficient data transfer are essential to ensuring high-quality online experiences. Reliable connectivity is essential, and this need is growing exponentially every day. Many applications we use every day are not designed for low latency and can cause network congestion that disrupts real-time communication. That's why we need solutions that can unburden networks by combating latency, jitter and packet loss.
L4S technology (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput) is one of these solutions. L4S is an initiative to almost completely eliminate latency and is supported by major companies such as Apple, Google, Comcast, Charter, Nvidia, Valve, Nokia, Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom, etc. have expressed interest in this project. Completed and released in January, L4S promises to significantly reduce the time we spend waiting for web pages or data feeds to load and reduce disruptions during video calls. Above is an overview of L4S technology and how it works.
What is L4S technology?
L4S is an important part of the low latency Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), which is adopted by many other network technologies. It enables a new congestion control mechanism for capacity-hungry applications that want to optimize their send rate while significantly reducing network latency, jitter and packet loss. According to notes published by the researchers behind the technology, L4S would be ideal for applications optimized by high data rates, ultra-low latency and near-zero packet loss.
These applications include online gaming, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, and high-quality video conferencing. L4S would also be beneficial for other applications with limited latency, such as general HTTP traffic. With L4S technology, applications can benefit from both low network latency and high throughput. “L4S benefits most applications, including conversational applications, interactive applications with dynamic content, interactive videos, online gaming, and virtual or augmented reality,” Apple said in a blog post.
How does L4S technology work?
The end-to-end L4S solution provides high-fidelity feedback on network congestion and congestion for applications in use. L4S acts as a congestion control mechanism and improves the way data packets traverse the Internet. It inserts markers into these packets to detect congestion and respond quickly. This feedback loop allows devices to adjust data flow in real time, eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring smoother transmission. The L4S mechanism can be used by any application.
L4S uses an Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) mechanism to provide early warning of congestion on the bottleneck link by marking a Congestion Experienced (CE) code point in the IP header of packets. After receiving the packets, the receiver sends this congestion information back to the sender in ACK (Transport Protocol Acknowledgment) packets. The sender uses this congestion feedback to reduce its sending rate and thus avoid bottlenecks, Apple explains in its post.
Although several factors can contribute to slow internet speeds, L4S appears to offer a promising solution to solve the latency problem and improve overall performance.
Possible applications of L4S technology
The advantage of L4S technology is the ability to prioritize data packets according to their importance. A technique called active queue management ensures that critical data is transferred quickly and efficiently, while less important data can wait in the queue. This optimization results in a significant reduction in latency and a smoother, faster internet experience. The impact of L4S extends far beyond everyday web surfing. According to experts, it unlocks the potential of applications and services that require ultra-low latency.
Whether immersive online gaming experiences, seamless VR/AR interactions or high-resolution video conferencing, L4S technology opens up new possibilities in various latency-sensitive areas. It can be used by TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections) applications. L4S is a standardized solution defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that has already been adopted by broadband cable networks and is supported by the DOCSIS cable modem protocol. Work is also reportedly underway to implement it on 5G and Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, Apple announced that starting with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, the company will support L4S technology on its platforms for certain users, for both QUIC and TCP network stacks. The importance of L4S would lie not only in its immediate impact but also in its future development. Here is the current status of L4S:
- Integration into industry : Major industry players such as Apple, Google, Comcast and others are actively exploring L4S and integrating it into their networks and devices. Trials, beta support and collaborative initiatives underscore the commitment to realizing the potential of this technology.
- Standardization and adaptability : L4S adheres to the standards set by the IETF, which ensures compatibility and seamless integration into various network infrastructures. According to experts, it is a promising addition to the Internet due to its adaptability and ability to coexist with existing protocols;
- Development of networks : As L4S technology gains traction, networks are evolving to support its implementation. Wired broadband networks have already adopted it, and there are efforts to integrate it into 5G and Wi-Fi networks. The move is described by experts as a sign of a transformative change towards a faster and more efficient internet landscape.
Analysts say users can expect a revolutionary improvement in their internet connectivity experiences as L4S technology becomes a fundamental part of consumer networks. Reduced latency and seamless data transfer could become the new norm, transforming online interactions into seamless, instantaneous experiences. The integration of L4S would usher in a future where latency no longer hinders our digital interactions, paving the way for a more connected, efficient and exciting online world.
Sources: L4S Technology, Apple
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