SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk has recently announced significant latency improvements for Starlink, the company’s satellite internet service. Musk took to Twitter to share that Starlink had achieved a new internal median latency record of 28 milliseconds. This milestone follows efforts by SpaceX to enhance Starlink’s performance, including expanding ground infrastructure and refining networking routing and software. These improvements are crucial as even small decreases in latency can have a substantial impact on user experience, especially for activities like video calling and online gaming.
The 28-millisecond latency figure represents a notable improvement from previous measurements. Seven months earlier, Ookla reported a median latency of around 60ms for US Starlink users. This recent achievement is particularly significant considering that in March, SpaceX reported a median latency of 33ms for Starlink users in the US. While the decrease may seem modest at face value, every millisecond counts when it comes to reducing lag and improving data transmission speed.
Comparing Starlink’s latency to that of traditional cell phone networks in the US further highlights the significance of this achievement. Currently, the median latency rate for cell phone users stands at 29ms according to Ookla’s Speedtest data. With Starlink nearing this figure at 28ms, it demonstrates the service’s competitive edge in providing low-latency internet connectivity.
High latency can significantly impact real-time applications such as video calling and online gaming, making it a priority for Musk and SpaceX to further reduce lag to under 20 milliseconds. To achieve this goal, SpaceX has been actively launching more satellites into orbit and expanding its ground infrastructure, including the deployment of additional “gateway” stations responsible for transmitting internet data to and from space.
Independent testing of Starlink dishes has also confirmed the trend of decreasing latency over time. In January, latency was measured at around 38ms, which has since fallen to approximately 30ms. While these improvements are notable, it’s essential to note that traditional fixed internet users in the US typically experience lower latency rates, averaging around 13ms according to Ookla’s data.
In conclusion, SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to enhance Starlink’s performance have resulted in significant improvements in latency, bringing it closer to achieving Musk’s goal of reducing lag to under 20 milliseconds. These advancements not only enhance user experience but also position Starlink as a formidable competitor in the internet service provider market, particularly in areas where traditional fixed internet infrastructure is lacking or unreliable.
For more such news, visit tech-news.in
