ungepufferten

Ungepufferten is a German term meaning not buffered. It is used in technical contexts to describe systems or data paths in which buffering is avoided or disabled. The concept contrasts with buffered or registered buffering where data passes through intermediate storage to smooth timing or throughput.

In computing, ungepufferten describes input and output streams that transfer data without intermediate buffers. Ungepufferte I/O paths reduce latency but can increase CPU load and jitter, because each data unit is processed immediately rather than batched. In programming, many languages offer modes to disable buffering for certain streams, for example by enabling unbuffered output or using unbuffered I/O.

In hardware, ungepufferter Speicher refers to memory modules without additional buffering stages such as registers or ECC buffers. Such memory can provide lower latency but may be more sensitive to signal integrity and load; buffered or registered memory is often used in servers to improve stability under heavy loads.

In data processing and networking, ungepufferten data streaming favors real-time processing, at the cost of potentially higher overhead and variable throughput. Real-time systems and low-latency communication often prioritize unbuffered paths to minimize end-to-end delay.

Etymology: from un- and gepuffert, the latter borrowed from the English word buffer; usage in technical German literature dates from the mid-20th century.

See also: Buffer, Buffering, Unbuffered I/O, Real-time computing, Latency.