Comcast is making a bold move with its rollout of low-latency DOCSIS networks using the Internet Engineering Task Force’s (IETF) Low Latency Low Loss Scalable Throughput (L4S) open standards. The U.S. cable giant is highlighting the lower latency as a key advantage in its Xfinity Internet services, targeting consumers who demand faster and more responsive internet experiences.
What’s unique here is the dramatic reduction in latency, claimed to be “faster than the blink of an eye.” This technology promises improved experiences for users of applications such as Apple‘s FaceTime, Meta’s mixed reality headsets, NVIDIA‘s GeForce NOW gaming service, and various games on Valve’s Steam platform. “Our connectivity is the key to unlocking a world of entertainment and information,” says Emily Waldorf, SVP of Comcast. Her enthusiasm points towards a new edge that lower lag times are offering.
This innovation could potentially overshadow other broadband solutions, including 5G-based internet. Comcast asserts that their L4S DOCSIS network provides a more seamless and responsive experience. This is especially critical for latency-sensitive applications which could experience interruption on other networks, particularly when internet traffic is high.
L4S standards work by processing data packets efficiently, marking specific traffic as latency-sensitive. This ensures smoother online experiences, yet requires support from both app developers, who need to categorize their traffic, and compatible hardware. Comcast has named multiple Apple products and specific internet gateways like the Arris S33 and Netgear CM1000v2 as participants in successful trials.
Initial deployments of this service are in cities including Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco, with more areas to follow soon. Once fully deployed, Comcast customers with Xfinity Internet can access this low-latency service, giving them a significant connectivity advantage.
