Network Latency: How to Reduce Delays on Your Network
When evaluating your network’s performance, your enterprise needs to consider a number of different metrics. The performance of your network can be affected by various factors. In order to determine network efficiency, your network team must keep all these factors in mind. Enterprises can use tools like network performance monitors (NPMs) to examine everything that affects their network’s performance. One aspect that determines how well your network is performing is latency.
Network latency describes delays in data transmissions that occur on a network. While latency typically refers to the interval of time a system or workflow takes to complete, network latency encompasses any delay in data sent from one part of the network to another. It can sometimes be impossible to avoid completely, but companies should make an attempt to remove as much latency as they can. Read on to discover how your enterprise can reduce network latency and boost your network’s efficiency.
What causes network latency?
There are several potential causes of network latency, and not every one will increase delays on your enterprise’s network. Using NPMs and other tools, enterprises can figure out specific factors that affect their performance, including those that increase (or decrease) latency. Some of the most common causes of latency include:
Device CPU overload
Network devices require CPU power in order to send and receive transmissions. If the node currently doesn’t have enough CPU power available, it will be slow to fully process data heading through it.
Network bottlenecks
Bottlenecks on your network create congestion which reduces the amount of time it takes for data to travel through it. If your data is forced to travel through a bottleneck to reach its destination, it will inevitably be delayed.
Packet analysis
Nodes on your network, such as routers, need to analyze any packets that are sent to it before it sends them further along the network. If a router isn’t properly configured, it might delay the transmission.
How can you reduce network latency?
Latency affects every enterprise and it isn’t possible to fully prevent it. However, your enterprise can proactively reduce the amount of network latency in your infrastructure
Quality of service
Quality of service provisions available network resources to prioritize bandwidth for critical data transfers. If you have a process or application that requires a lot of bandwidth, quality of service protocols will save the necessary resources until they’re needed.
Network routing protocols
Your network needs to be able to route out pathways that data can take on your network. This is important not only for knowing the infrastructure of your network, but also to help avoid slow performing areas.
WiFi latency inconsistencies
WiFi networks can have extremely inconsistent latency times, as signal strength and interference can slow down data transfers. Whenever possible, you should design your WiFi network to avoid interference and place access points in intelligent locations that provide maximum coverage.
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Daniel Hein
Dan is a tech writer who writes about Cybersecurity for Solutions Review. He graduated from Fitchburg State University with a Bachelor's in Professional Writing. You can reach him at dhein@solutionsreview.com
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