The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) has released a set of Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable (L4S) implementation guidelines for L4S throughput over Wi-Fi networks. The guidelines show how demand for low-latency Wi-Fi applications such as Cloud gaming, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can be achieved with implementation approaches, Access Point (AP) tests and simulation studies for L4S AP performance in different scenarios.
Demand for L4S applications is growing, as telecoms organisations and developers are beginning to implement the technology. Apple provides guidance to developers on how to implement L4S in their apps, while in 2024 Nokia and Vodafone conducted the first trial of L4S over an end-to-end Passive Optical Network (PON) which reduced latency from 550 milliseconds to 12. Comcast recently announced deploying L4S technology.
Buffering is a key source of delay in both wired and wireless networks, occurring when incoming packets exceed the departure rate, leading to high buffer occupancy. Latency in Wi-Fi networks is largely influenced by two factors: delays associated with queuing and buffering under load, and delays introduced by the 802.11 Media Access Control (MAC) protocol.
The adoption of L4S technology is anticipated to improve Wi-Fi performance, especially for applications that require low latency and high throughput. The L4S project aims to minimise buffering delays, reduce data loss, and enable scalable throughput.
This will have several benefits for vendors, enterprises, and customers:
- Supporting next-gen applications: the technology enables enterprises and service providers to meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency services, and enhance operational efficiency for modern, high-performance applications
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and revenue potential: industries such as gaming, media streaming, and telemedicine will achieve superior network performance, boosting customer retention and unlocking new revenue opportunities
- WBA’s industry leadership: the WBA is fostering collaboration across the industry, driving the adoption of L4S technology, and positioning Wi-Fi as a critical enabler for emerging applications
The WBA’s L4S implementation guidelines cover:
- An overview of L4S technology, what it is and how it works
- Why support for L4S in Wi-Fi equipment is critical for end-to-end application performance
- How Wi-Fi equipment suppliers can implement L4S support in their products
- Simulation and test results that illustrate the benefit of L4S
- Initial results on optimising Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters
In 2025, the WBA will continue advancing L4S in coordination with QoS Management initiatives, including additional trials, report generation, provider surveys, and evolving L4S testing scenarios.
“As L4S technology continues to evolve and gain traction, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Wi-Fi networks, ensuring they meet the demands of modern, latency-sensitive applications. The L4S Implementation Guide will help vendors and enterprises to achieve maximum business impact from the technology and improve customer experiences for latency sensitive applications such as gaming and virtual reality,” said Tiago Rodrigues, President and CEO of the WBA.
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