What do you need to know about response times and latencies at system level?

For dedicated application areas, it is important to maintain certain reaction times. When using a wireless light switch, for example, the light should switch on immediately and not seconds later, in order to ensure user acceptance.

In the case of critical systems, emergency shutdown must occur within predefined timeframe of milliseconds. Such requirements demand extended measures so that no life is endangered.

Required reaction times and latencies cannot be guaranteed with all technologies and networking structures. Such requirements must be taken into account when selecting the network topology and network size, the number of nodes, and communication intervals.