# Real-time performance

> Learn how to configure the real-time kernel for optimal robot control performance in Wandelbots NOVA. Follow step-by-step instructions to ensure stable and efficient robot operation.

Wandelbots NOVA automatically configures your instance for optimal robot control performance using real-time technologies.
Understanding this configuration can help you troubleshoot performance issues and ensure your setup meets the requirements for stable robot operation.

### Real-time kernel

All NOVA installations include a real-time (RT) enabled kernel by default.
The RT kernel ensures deterministic timing and low latency, which are critical for:

- Maintaining stable communication with robot controllers
- Meeting strict timing requirements for industrial protocols (e.g., RSI for KUKA, PROFINET)
- Avoiding disconnects and performance issues during robot operation

The real-time kernel is required for all robot types and is automatically installed during the NOVA setup process.

### Robot-real-time tuned profile

> **Info:** **No manual configuration needed**: The RT kernel and `robot-realtime` tuned profile are automatically installed and activated during NOVA installation.
> You don't need to take any additional steps.

NOVA automatically applies a `robot-realtime` tuned profile that optimizes system performance for robot control.
This profile configures:

- **CPU core isolation**: Approximately 1 out of every 6 CPU cores is reserved exclusively for real-time services (such as robot control)
- **Reduced system jitter**: Background processes are prevented from interfering with time-critical robot operations
- **Network latency optimization**: Network stack is tuned for low-latency communication

This is why NOVA requires a minimum of 4 CPU cores: with core isolation in effect, you need sufficient cores for both real-time robot control and general system operations.

### SR-IOV-capable network interfaces

For production setups, especially real-time or near-real-time scenarios such as PROFINET communication,
robot control, or coordinated motion of multiple robots, use an SR-IOV-capable system.
Wandelbots NOVA can run without SR-IOV, but production systems should use SR-IOV-capable network interfaces to reduce latency,
jitter, and network stack overhead.

SR-IOV support depends on the complete hardware and software stack, including:

- BIOS/UEFI settings
- CPU and chipset
- Linux kernel
- NIC, firmware, and driver

The k3s runtime is shipped with Wandelbots NOVA and is part of the required software stack.