near real-time

The term "near real-time" or "nearly real-time" (NRT), in telecommunications and computing, refers to the time delay introduced, by automated data processing or network transmission, between the occurrence of an event and the use of the processed data, such as for display or feedback and control purposes. For example, a near-real-time display depicts an event or situation as it existed at the current time minus the processing time, as nearly the time of the live event.

The distinction between the terms "near real time" and "real time" is somewhat nebulous and must be defined for the situation at hand. The term implies that there are no significant delays. In many cases, processing described as "real-time" would be more accurately described as "near-real-time".

Use in network transmissions

Near real-time also refers to delayed real-time transmission of voice and video. It allows playing video images, in approximately real-time, without having to wait for an entire large video file to download.

Use in Database Integration

Incompatible databases can export / import to common flat files that the other database can import / export on a scheduled basis so that they can sync/share common data in "near real-time" with each other.

The distinction between "near-real-time" and "real-time" varies, and the delay is dependent on the type and speed of the transmission. The delay in near real-time can be as high as 15 to 20 minutes in some applications.

See also

• Interactive computing
• Batch computing

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".
•  This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Department of Defense document "Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms".