T-Mobile Unveils L4S Feature to Enhance 5G Performance and Enable Programmable Networks

T-Mobile is rolling out its 5G Advanced network upgrade with the L4S feature, which improves low latency, reduces data loss, and enhances responsiveness. L4S is already live in several US cities and is useful for cloud gaming, XR headsets, video calls, and remote driving. The feature is available on the standalone 5G core and allows for more flexible network performance depending on app or device needs.

T-Mobile has rolled out its 5G Advanced network upgrade, incorporating the Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) feature. This upgrade aims to significantly improve low latency, reduce data loss, and enhance overall network responsiveness. The L4S feature is already live in several major U.S. cities and is designed to support a range of performance-intensive applications, including cloud gaming, Extended Reality (XR) headsets, video calls, and remote driving.

The L4S feature operates by consistently delivering low latency, minimal packet loss, and real-time responsiveness, even under heavy traffic conditions. This is particularly beneficial for applications where every millisecond of delay can impact user experience, such as cloud gaming, video calling, and remote driving. T-Mobile has been testing L4S with various partners, including Qualcomm and Ericsson, to ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

One notable application of L4S is in cloud gaming. NVIDIA's GeForce NOW has already integrated support for L4S, which helps reduce latency and packet loss during gameplay. This results in smoother controls and a gaming experience closer to that of a local console, even under network congestion. Similarly, T-Mobile has tested L4S in real-world settings like crowded airports, demonstrating its ability to reduce stutters, frozen frames, and garbled audio during video calls.

Another significant use case is remote driving. T-Mobile partnered with Vay, a Berlin-based company developing automotive-grade remote driving technology, to test L4S in high-stakes, low-latency scenarios. The results were promising, with remote drivers experiencing predictable and consistent latency, making it feel like they were physically in the car even in high-traffic conditions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize mobility, logistics, and time-critical safety applications.

The L4S feature is built into T-Mobile's standalone 5G core, providing a more flexible network performance that can adapt to the specific needs of different apps or devices. This flexibility sets the stage for more advanced capabilities like network slicing and differentiated service tiers.

T-Mobile's 5G Advanced network upgrade with L4S is a significant step forward in the evolution of 5G technology. By offering real-time network data and programmability, T-Mobile is empowering its partners and innovators to optimize app performance, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience. As T-Mobile continues to deploy L4S across its network, it is poised to bring these advancements closer to its customers, setting the stage for future innovations in connectivity.

References:
[1] https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/unlock-l4s-5g-advanced
[2] https://gizmodo.com/t-mobile-upgrades-network-with-l4s-to-improve-video-calls-and-cloud-gaming-2000632202