Live Stream Latency Explained

When using web conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, participants generally stay in sync because these systems are engineered to prioritize real-time interaction. They often adjust to the "common denominator" of all attendees' connection strengths to maintain a fluid conversation. However, a live stream operates differently, involving multiple factors that contribute to delivery delay or latency.

Web Conferencing vs. Live Streaming

• Web Conferencing: Designed for active engagement between presenters and remote participants. Communication is bi-directional.
• Live Streaming: Designed for remote viewers to passively receive content. Communication is one-way (from presenter to viewers).

While these technologies can work together, they are separate systems. When hosting a web conference in conjunction with a live stream, the live stream should not be used as a real-time reference point for the actual event.

Variables Affecting Latency

Latency is the time elapsed between an action occurring at the source and the moment a remote viewer sees it on their screen. Key variables include:

• Upload Speed: The time required for the video signal to upload from the campus location (classroom, lecture hall, etc.) to the streaming servers.
• Ingestion and Distribution: The time required for cloud servers to process, transcode, and distribute the video stream across the network.
• Connection Quality: The end-user's viewing experience is highly dependent on their local environment, including:
  • Local connection speed and bandwidth.
  • Congested local networks (e.g., multiple users on one home Wi-Fi).
  • Browser version and hardware performance.
  • VPN: Using a Virtual Private Network can add additional routing steps, increasing delay.

Live stream viewers should typically expect a 10-15 second delay compared to the live event. Due to the variables listed above, this latency will vary from one viewer to another.

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