Businesses are increasingly demanding low latency in their WAN connections. But why is latency suddenly so important, and how can you achieve it?

Latency is the time it takes for data packets to travel between two points. While insignificant on local networks, latency can pose major problems on long-distance WAN connections, especially for applications where speed is critical.

It’s important to note that latency and bandwidth are not directly related. You can have slow connections with minimal latency and blazing-fast connections with terrible latency. Factors like distance, network design, and equipment quality are the primary drivers of latency.

Live television broadcasts exemplify a situation where latency is largely unavoidable. Imagine a news van transmitting a live feed to a studio. Regardless of their locations, the signal experiences significant latency due to the vast distances involved. This delay is why reporters and anchors must pause before responding to each other to avoid talking over one another.

The reason for this delay lies in the signal’s journey. It travels from the van’s satellite dish to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit approximately 22,236 miles above Earth and then back down to the studio. This round trip of at least 44,472 miles, coupled with the signal’s speed of 186,000 miles per second, results in a minimum quarter-second delay each way, totaling a half-second round trip. Any equipment or landline connections along the way further exacerbate this delay.

This explains why satellite broadband excels for one-way transmissions like TV broadcasts but struggles with two-way communication like VoIP calls. While streaming remains unaffected, two-way interactions suffer noticeably. Data transfers are less impacted as the latency is often small compared to the transfer time. However, video conferencing can be awkward, and real-time gaming becomes an exercise in frustration.

The key takeaway is to avoid geosynchronous satellite connections if latency is a concern. Remember that even landline and undersea connections are subject to a minimum one-millisecond delay per 186 miles due to the speed of light. In reality, achieving this minimum latency is impossible as copper wires, fiber optic cores, and network equipment introduce further delays.

So, what distinguishes a low-latency connection from a high-latency one? The answer lies in short routes between locations and minimal intermediary equipment. This suggests that private networks, not the internet, are the way to go. While the internet prioritizes universal access and resilience, latency takes a backseat.

Many modern MPLS networks are engineered for minimal latency, employing relatively few label switches for routing traffic and ample bandwidth to prevent congestion that exacerbates latency. Opt for networks with direct fiber optic connections to your locations to minimize distance. If MPLS meets your requirements, it offers cost advantages and mesh network capabilities for seamless communication between sites.

For absolute minimal latency, direct private line connections, specifically designed for this purpose, are the optimal choice. These fiber optic lines provide near-straight paths between locations with minimal electronic equipment to slow things down. However, these connections are primarily found between major international financial hubs like London, Frankfurt, New York, and Chicago, as high-frequency trading is the primary driver behind their deployment.

Do you require lower-latency connections or need to minimize latency on long-haul links? If so, explore the availability and pricing of Low Latency Fiber Optic Networks to evaluate your domestic and international options.