What is Forward Error Correction? How Does it Improve Gaming Experience?

Forward Error Correction (FEC) has been widely used in network optimization and SD-WAN solutions to improve data reliability by fixing errors during transmission. Recently, this technology is also being applied to graphics cards and other standalone products.

In game streaming, where clear and smooth video is essential, FEC helps maintain a high-quality experience even if there are issues with network packet loss. Both NVIDIA's GeForce NOW and AMD's cloud gaming platforms use FEC to keep gameplay smooth and uninterrupted.

Our KVM switches also include FEC technology, providing extra reliability for users who need consistent performance. Whether you're gaming, working with high-resolution media, or need reliable video output, FEC in our KVM switches helps ensure you get a clear and stable experience.

In this article, we'll explain what FEC is, how it’s used in different contexts, and why choosing a KVM switch with FEC can enhance your visual and gaming experience.

What is Forward Error Correction?

Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a technique used in communication systems to detect and correct errors in data transmission. FEC adds redundancy to the transmitted data to allow the receiver to detect and correct errors without needing a retransmission. To be more specific, the source (transmitter) sends redundant data and the destination (receiver) recognizes only the portion of the data that contains no apparent errors.

How Forward Error Correction Works?

• Encoding Before transmission, the sender's encoder takes the original data and adds extra bits of redundant information based on a mathematical algorithm or code. This process increases the size of the transmitted data slightly because of the added redundancy.
• Transmission The encoded data, which now includes the original information and the redundant bits, is sent over the communication channel. The channel could be wireless (like Wi-Fi or cellular networks), wired (like Ethernet), or through storage media (like CDs or DVDs).
• Decoding Upon receiving the data, the receiver's decoder uses the redundant bits to check for errors that might have occurred during transmission. If errors are detected, the decoder can correct them using the redundant information. If the errors exceed the correction capability of the FEC code used, the receiver may request a retransmission from the sender.

What are the Benefits of Forward Error Correction?

As systems become increasingly complex and data demands grow, understanding the benefits of FEC is key to optimizing performance and achieving greater efficiency. There are numerous benefits to integrating Forward Error Correction (FEC) into your data transmission systems.

• Improved Reliability Ensures data integrity by correcting errors without needing to retransmit data packets.
• Bandwidth Efficiency Reduces the overhead associated with retransmissions, making more efficient use of available bandwidth.
• Suitability for Real-Time Applications FEC is particularly valuable in real-time applications where delay-sensitive data (like voice or video) cannot afford the latency of retransmissions.

How Forward Error Correction Improves Gaming Experiences?

FEC improves gaming experiences by ensuring data integrity, reducing latency, enhancing stability, and maintaining performance even on unreliable networks. This results in smoother and more reliable gameplay, crucial for both casual and competitive gaming.

• Error Recovery In gaming, where real-time communication is crucial, FEC helps to maintain smooth gameplay even if some data packets are corrupted during transmission. This minimizes disruptions and keeps the gaming experience fluid.
• Reduced Latency By correcting errors on the fly, FEC reduces the need for retransmissions. Retransmissions can introduce delays, which are especially problematic in fast-paced games.
• Enhanced Multiplayer Experience In multiplayer games, FEC helps in maintaining the integrity of data shared between players. By ensuring that all players receive consistent and accurate game state updates, FEC reduces discrepancies and enhances the overall fairness and quality of the multiplayer experience.
• Better Performance in Unreliable Networks For gamers on networks with variable quality or high packet loss, FEC is especially beneficial. It compensates for network imperfections and helps to ensure that the game runs smoothly despite less-than-ideal network conditions.

Choose KVM Swtiches with FEC Function

TESmart has recently launched 8K KVM switches with a variety of connection ports, all featuring Forward Error Correction (FEC). FEC enhances your gaming experience by ensuring data integrity, reducing latency, and improving stability, even on unreliable networks. This results in smoother and more reliable gameplay, crucial for both casual and competitive gaming. If you're looking to enhance your setup, our FEC-supported KVM switches provide the performance and reliability you need. Check out our recommendations for upgrading your gaming or multimedia setup with these advanced switches.

DP 1.4 Dual 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 2 Monitors, w/ EDID, G-Sync FreeSync

Experience cutting-edge dual 8K60 vision with TESmart's latest innovation, the DKS202-M24, featuring our advanced EDID emulation technology and DP 1.4 support. EDID emulation prevents resolution and icon rearrangement, while FEC improves data integrity, reduces latency, and enhances stability for a smoother gaming experience. The KVM supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 for super-speed data transfer, USB 3.0 and audio peripherals sharing, and hot plugging for convenience. Compatible with various operating systems, it's perfect for gaming setups.

Ideal for dual 8K/4K editing, these KVM switches support 12-bit color for exceptional precision in professional image processing. For dual 4K/144Hz gaming, enjoy stable, tear-free, and ghost-free visuals thanks to four advanced technologies: G-Sync, FreeSync, FEC (Forward Error Correction), and DSC. The DSC 1.2a technology ensures seamless dual 4K@144Hz/165Hz performance.

It includes all necessary PC cables—2 USB 3.0 cables and 4 DP cables. Efficiently manage two PCs with a single keyboard, mouse, and dual 8K60Hz displays, supporting resolutions up to 8K(4320p)@60Hz and backward compatibility with 4K(2160p)@60Hz/120Hz/144Hz. With modes for extending or splitting desktops, switch inputs effortlessly via keyboard hotkeys, mouse wheel, front panel button, or IR signals.

DP 1.4 Triple 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 3 Monitors, w/ EDID, G-Sync FreeSync

Discover the latest in visual technology with TESmart’s new DKS203-M24, offering triple 8K60 vision enhanced by our pioneering EDID emulation technology and DP 1.4 support. EDID emulation ensures stable resolution and icon arrangement, while FEC improves data integrity and reduces latency for a more reliable gaming experience. The dock supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 for high-speed data transfer, shares USB 3.0 and audio peripherals, and allows hot plugging for convenience. Compatible with various operating systems, it’s an ideal choice for gaming setups.

For triple 8K/4K editing, our KVM switch supports 12-bit color for unparalleled precision, making it perfect for both advanced gaming and professional image processing. When it comes to triple 4K/144Hz gaming, benefit from cutting-edge technologies: G-Sync, FreeSync, FEC (Forward Error Correction), and DSC. Achieve seamless triple 4K@144Hz/165Hz performance through DSC 1.2a technology, compatible with both Nvidia and AMD graphics cards.

It includes all necessary cables—2 USB 3.0 and 6 DP cables. Manage up to three 8K60Hz displays with a single keyboard and mouse, supporting resolutions up to 8K(4320p)@60Hz, and backward compatibility with 4K(2160p)@60Hz/120Hz/144Hz. It offers modes for extending or splitting desktops, with input switching via keyboard hotkeys, mouse wheel, front panel button, or IR signals.