- Glossary
- Low Latency
Low latency holds a significant importance in many industries. It is a lag in transmitting data from one point to another over the internet. The meaning of “low latency” is similar in the event industry it addresses the importance of ensuring a smooth and responsive experience for event attendees.
The minimal delay or lag in transmitting data online during virtual and hybrid events is referred to as low latency. It is an important factor while hosting an event because this delay can have a direct impact on the quality of streaming and interactions during online events. Since the streaming is done in real-time low latency plays a crucial role in hosting a seamless event experience.
Since low latency plays a significant role during virtual and hybrid events there are certain other factors that defines the importance of low latency.
Real-Time Engagement
Low latency enables instant and real-time communication between the event and attendees. This ensures instant responses and interactions contributing to the in-person event experience.
Live Streaming
Many events incorporate live streaming and for that low latency is essential to minimize the lag between the event and its broadcast. This also helps in keeping the remote participants engaged.
Interactive Elements
Virtual and hybrid events often include interactive elements for their online attendees. Such as Q&A sessions, polls, and networking opportunities. Low latency is a critical component to maintaining the responsiveness of these features.
How to Measure Latency?
The latency of any stream can be measured in two ways that are discussed below:
Round-Trip Latency: The time taken for the data to travel from the destination and back. During events, this includes the time it takes to process the attendee’s action and reflect.
One-Way Latency: This is the time taken by the data to travel from the source to its destination. It is a crucial aspect for real-time features during an event to be responsive.
There are multiple technological aspects that contributes to low latency and are important to look at.
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
CDNs optimize the delivery of the content that is distributed across multiple servers globally. They reduce the physical distance needed by data to travel and minimize the latency.
Edge Computing
Edge computing reduces the round trip latency to ensure faster response times for interactions during the event by processing the data closer to the source.
WebSockets
They provide continuous and bidirectional communication between the event and attendee which can not be achieved through traditional HTTP. It minimizes the latency associated with newly established connections.
There are a certain number of challenges that can affect the latency of the content during an event, but the most important ones are:
Network Congestion
High traffic on the network can increase the latency of the event. Event organizers must choose platforms and technologies that can be scalable and handle massive loads without compromising quality and performance.
Device Limitations
The capabilities of the attendee's device can also impact the latency which is why compatibility and optimization for different devices are essential considerations.
Low latency plays an important role, which is why it is necessary for event organizers to find the best strategies to choose the right latency.
Choose the Right Platform
The virtual platform that is going to be used plays an important role so select the one that prioritizes low latency to ensure a seamless experience for attendees.
Test and Optimize
Event planners should conduct thorough testing of the platform to identify and address the issues related before the event.
Attendee Education
Provide attendees with the steps or guidelines to optimize their internet connection and device settings to minimize latency for a smoother and seamless event experience.
It's kind of like a chart or board that lets you see who's leading and who's not. The person or team with the highest score or best result usually catch the seat at the top of the leaderboard.
A lobby is a room providing a space from which other rooms and corridors lead. The lobby takes a central role in the event industry as a versatile space that bridges the physical and virtual dimensions. It serves as an initial point of contact, a hub for information, and other crucial elements for creating a seamless and engaging attendee experience.