FastRT

FastRT is a high‑performance real‑time data transmission protocol designed to deliver low‑latency, deterministic messaging across distributed systems. It was first released in 2016 by a consortium of automotive and industrial companies that required a more efficient alternative to legacy protocols such as CAN‑FD and Ethernet/IP. The protocol core is built on top of UDP, with optional reliability extensions, and relies on a lightweight, cross‑platform library written in C++.

Key features of FastRT include microsecond‑level end‑to‑end jitter, support for multicast and broadcast messaging, and a simple time‑stamping mechanism that allows each node to synchronize with sub‑millisecond precision. The protocol also implements a dynamic resource allocation scheme that enables nodes to discover each other and negotiate bandwidth usage without a centralized server. Because the transport layer is independent of the application logic, FastRT can be embedded in a wide variety of environments, from embedded automotive ECUs to high‑frequency trading platforms.

FastRT has been adopted in several sectors. In automotive, it powers advanced driver‑assist and autonomous driving systems, ensuring that sensor data and control commands travel with minimal delay. In industrial automation, the protocol supports real‑time monitoring of robotic manipulators and assembly lines. The financial services industry uses FastRT for market data distribution, where millisecond differences can impact trading decisions. Academic research groups also study FastRT as a case study in designing low‑latency streaming protocols.

The specification of FastRT is available as an open‑source project under the Apache License 2.0. An active developer community maintains it through a governance model that includes contributions from original consortia members and additional industry participants. The protocol’s design emphasizes portability, security, and backward compatibility, making it a viable choice for systems that require both speed and reliability.