Latency and Expected Speeds: WiFi vs. Wired Connections Explained

What is Latency?

Latency is the delay between actions on your computer and the response displayed on your secondary device when using Luna Display. It measures the time taken for actions such as moving the cursor or clicking a file on the primary device to reflect on the secondary device's screen.

Lower latency means less delay and results in a responsive experience, whereas higher latency causes sluggish or delayed interactions. Luna Display minimizes latency, offering smoother and real-time responsiveness.

How Can I Connect My Devices with Luna Display?

WiFi Connections

Connect both devices to the same WiFi network.
Connect an Ethernet cable from one device directly to your router (this counts as a WiFi connection).

Wired Connections

How do I use a USB, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt connection?

Computer-to-Mac Mode:

Connect an Ethernet cable directly between your computers.
Connect Ethernet cables from both computers directly to your router (this counts as a wired connection).

Mac-to-Mac Mode:

Connect a Thunderbolt cable directly between computers.
Connect an Ethernet cable directly between your computers.
Connect Ethernet cables from both computers directly to your router (this counts as a wired connection).
Connect a USB cable directly between the computers. Both devices must meet these requirements: USB Support for Mac-to-Mac Mode.

Computer-to-iPad Mode:

Use a USB data transfer cable directly between your computer and iPad.

Peer-to-Peer Connections

For Mac-to-Mac or Mac-to-iPad mode, you can connect your devices using Peer-to-Peer mode. Both devices must meet the following requirements: Using Peer-to-Peer with Luna Display.

Expected Latency for Wireless and Wired Connections

WiFi Connections

How can I improve my wireless connectivity?

WiFi connections typically have latency around 7-25ms, averaging 11.5ms. While slightly slower than wired, Luna Display’s wireless connection still significantly outperforms alternatives like Duet Display (95ms) or AirDisplay (53ms).

If latency issues occur with WiFi, consider using a wired connection. External factors like router age, number of walls, and network device congestion can impact WiFi latency.

Wired Connections

Wired connections (Thunderbolt, Ethernet, USB) typically yield latency around 1-4ms. You should experience minimal lag with these connections.

Note: Latency cannot reach 0ms. Temporary lag spikes may occur, especially with resource-intensive applications like YouTube, Photoshop, Illustrator, or CAD programs, or on older computers with limited memory.

Checking Latency in Luna Display

To check latency:

Open Luna Display applications on your primary and secondary devices.
On your primary device, open this link: http://localhost:44557/vitals

The Vitals window displays two graphs: latency (cyan-blue) and throughput. The connection type is shown at the top-right corner.

Note: Latency spikes during graphic-intensive tasks (e.g., video playback) are expected.

Factors Increasing Latency in Connections

WiFi Connections

Distance from router: Greater distances can increase latency.
Signal strength: Weak or obstructed signals cause latency.
Network congestion: Multiple devices on the same network can slow connections.
Bandwidth limitations: Limited network bandwidth affects performance.
WiFi interference: Channel conflicts with other networks/devices create latency.
WiFi protocol: Older protocols (802.11n) are slower than newer standards (802.11ac, 802.11ax). A modern router and 5GHz band are recommended.

Wired Connections

Cable integrity: Faulty cables cause latency.
System performance: Overloaded or underpowered devices affect latency.
Cable length: Longer cables may degrade signals.
Cross-talk: Signal interference between cables impacts latency.