Nokia and Vodafone conduct world’s first trial of L4S technology over an end-to-end PON network
Nokia and Vodafone have announced, on Tuesday, that the two companies have conducted the world's first trial of L4S technology over an end-to-end Passive Optical Network (PON), demonstrating its potential to enhance the internet experience for activities like video conferencing and gaming.
L4S is ideal for latency-dependent applications such as cloud gaming, virtual/ augmented reality (VR/AR), and high-quality video conferencing. It helps in managing network congestion, reducing jitter, and preventing packet loss.
What is L4S?
L4S, which stands for "Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput," is a technology that aims to significantly improve internet traffic management. This new technology ix developed and pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs and is now an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard.This technology represents a significant step forward in creating a smoother and more reliable online experience for users, especially as we move towards more real-time and interactive applications on the internet.
The Lab Test
Nokia’s research arm Nokia Bell Labs and Vodafone’s Fixed Access Center of Excellence (CoE) performed this world’s first demonstration of L4S running over PON in Vodafone’s lab in Newbury, U.K.The demonstration was performed on an end-to-end fixed access network built with Nokia technology. It consisted of a broadband network gateway (BNG), a PON optical line terminal (OLT), multiple PON optical network terminals (ONTs) and WiFi access points. The tests showed extremely low and consistent end-to-end latencies when travelling across every element of the network.
L4S achieves almost zero packet queuing delay, which is a common cause of latency on the internet. This is particularly beneficial when the network is under heavy load.
In tests, L4S showed extremely low and consistent end-to-end latencies across various network elements, including fully congested access networks and WiFi links.
In the lab tests, Vodafone and Nokia Bell Labs measured consistent latencies of 1.05ms at local Ethernet ports running over a fully congested access network (BNG to ONT), and just 12.1ms when including a fully congested WiFi link as the final connection.
Latency can affect the quality and speed of online activities, such as browsing, streaming, gaming, or video calling. Low latency means less delay and a smoother internet experience. For example, low latency ensures that video calls are synced and that your connection has minimal delay. Online gamers typically covet low lag or latency because delays cause losses. Low latency also reduces buffering and allows for better video quality.
While the tests were conducted on PON networks, L4S can be implemented over any access technology, whether wireless or wireline.
Nokia is also working on an another research initiative called UNEXT. L4S is a prime example of the network-application symbiosis that is a key component of UNEXT.
UNEXT is a research initiative from Nokia Bell Labs that aims to redefine network software and systems by evolving the network into an operating system. UNEXT is self-regulating and interactive, and includes Natural-Language Networking, which allows for voice-based network capabilities. Nokia believes that UNEXT will pave the way for the 6G era and enable smooth support for users and applications.
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