The Broadband Forum has launched a new project to enhance home broadband networks by integrating Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput (L4S) technology. The firm says L4S will enable operators and service providers to meet the growing demand for low-latency performance in interactive applications such as cloud gaming, video conferencing, and extended reality (XR).
Also Read: Oi Deploys Software to Enhance In-Home Wi-Fi Performance in Brazil
L4S Technology
The global standards body will demonstrate to operators and service providers how to implement L4S technology, which was specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) last year.
L4S provides network congestion control that was not previously available for latency-sensitive applications, enabling providers to deliver both high throughput and low latency simultaneously. This allows for better user experiences in such applications. L4S offers immediate congestion feedback, ensuring smooth performance even during network bottlenecks.
"We're keenly aware that low and stable latency, along with high throughput, is fundamental to broadband performance for many interactive applications used in the home. This is especially true for ensuring immersive experiences in applications like cloud gaming," said Jonathan Newton of Vodafone and Access and Transport Architecture Work Area Director at Broadband Forum.
Also Read: Nexfibre, Virgin Media O2 Partner to Provide Free Fibre Broadband to UK Youth Centres
Phased Implementation of L4S
L4S does not require full implementation across the entire network, and the Broadband Forum's project will guide phased implementation of L4S technology, focusing on key network bottlenecks before achieving full end-to-end support.
As trials and real-world implementations ramp up in DOCSIS networks and a range of Apple operating software, the project will build on the IETF standard to ensure ultra-low latency in broadband networks, the Broadband Forum said.
Also Read: Aprecomm Partners with Netlink to Expand Broadband Device Ecosystem
Seamless Transition for Developers
Craig Thomas, CEO of the Broadband Forum, noted that this technology allows software developers to continue creating applications without needing to adjust their networking code to support L4S, facilitating a smooth transition to low-latency broadband.
The initiative, led by the Broadband Forum’s Access and Transport Architecture Work Area, will develop strategies to roll out L4S technology in broadband networks, improving overall performance without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
