With the increasing number of users accessing the internet via mobile devices, applications must provide a smooth and seamless experience, free from lag and downtime. Network optimization ensures this is the case by improving the speed, reliability, and efficiency of data transmission. Setting up your network could be the perfect way to deliver the best experience to the end users/customers accessing these applications.
Why Does Application Performance Matter?
The success of mobile and web applications is determined by several factors, with performance being a key one. According to a study conducted by Google in recent years, a difference of just two seconds in the loading time of an application increases the bounce rate to as much as 32%. The bounce rate measures how many users exit a website without interacting with any other web page than the one they arrived at.
Statistically, a loading time of three to four seconds for a web or mobile application is acceptable. But each additional second of delay results in more users no longer returning to such an application. Most users simply do not have the patience to wait more than five seconds.
However, we often do not understand why it takes so long. A few common reasons for slow web or application loading speed are outdated software, virus infections, or damaged system files. For businesses to maximize the potential of their mobile and web applications, they must pinpoint the source and alleviate the problem.
How Do Web and Mobile Applications Work?
Web and mobile applications comprise two layers—the logic layer and the data layer. The former reacts to specific user behavior (such as clicking a button on the screen) and defines the operation of basic functions. The second provides the backend for storing the information for processing at any given time. Creating interaction between the different layers is only half the battle.
A mobile or web application communicates in the background with at least a few places on the internet. This can be a web server, an application server, a database (or more than one), and sometimes a separate server for media files. If you want to send push notifications to the user, separate software and tools handle these functions. It all depends on the complexity of the application.
When you compare the performance of well-designed applications that are compatible with the software they integrate (push notification software, for instance) and applications that are the opposite, the importance of strategic application architecture is clear.
How to Increase the Performance of a Mobile Application
If the application is gaining popularity and more users want to take advantage of it, performance problems may arise. An overloaded server cannot handle all requests in time. The solution lies in increasing the capacity of the backend, which is the backend for the application. You can achieve this in two methods:
- Vertical scaling: This process involves adding more resources to your server to expand capacity. These resources will remain on one server, and you can add more on demand. Vertical scaling is ideal for mid-range applications developed by small to mid-level companies. However, at some point, the expansion capabilities of a single machine will run out. There are limits to adding memory and expanding a single machine.
- Horizontal scaling: This process involves adding more servers and sharing the load amongst several nodes. It is more challenging to use this method than vertical scaling, but it is more sustainable. Yet, if you do not accurately balance the load between your servers, they will crash. This is what a load balancer does. It redirects traffic to a server closer to the application user’s location and monitors load levels. Load balancing can work locally, within a single geographic zone, or globally. It comes in handy when one of the machines fails. The load balancer will automatically switch traffic to the other servers on the network.
Businesses can rely on vertical and horizontal scaling based on their traffic and demand.
Key Benefits of Network Optimization for Mobile and Web Applications
Network optimization is a broad term covering a range of tools and techniques to improve network performance. Developing network optimization campaigns requires you to monitor, manage and improve network performance.
The primary benefits of network optimization for web and mobile applications include:
- Increased application speed: By reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and optimizing the transmission process, applications can load and run faster, improving the user experience.
- Minimized downtime: Network optimization can help reduce downtime, as it helps to identify and resolve any network issues that may be causing problems.
- Improved security: With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, applications and the networks that power them must be secure. Network optimization can help ensure this by implementing security protocols to ensure data is transmitted securely. This protects user data and maintains the reputation of the application and the business that deployed it.
- Reduced costs: By optimizing the network, you can reduce the amount of bandwidth used. This means lower data transmission costs. Businesses greatly benefit from this, as reducing costs can help improve profit margins and increase competitiveness.
Conclusion
Network optimization has a profound impact on the performance of mobile and web applications. Improving speed, reliability, security, and efficiency helps ensure that applications provide a smooth and seamless user experience. As more and more people rely on mobile devices to access the internet, network optimization will become increasingly important, and businesses that take it seriously will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.
