Definition
Jitter is the inconsistency in the time delay of data packet transmission over a network, resulting in uneven arrival times at the destination. The variation is due to packet loss, network congestion, and the varying routes that packets take.
It affects real-time applications like online gaming, video conferencing, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.
Jitter Examples and Impacts
- Online gaming: High jitter can cause latency issues in an online game, causing sudden delays or glitches.
- Video conferencing: Jitter can cause audio delays, choppy videos, or even dropped calls because packets arrive irregularly, leading to poor user experience.
- VoIP services: Jitter can cause dropped audio and garbage speech in VoIP calls, affecting communication quality.
Difference Between Jitter, Latency, and Packet Loss
Latency is the time it takes for data packets to reach their destination, while jitter measures the variation in latency over time. On the other hand, packet loss is the percentage of data packets that don’t reach their destination.
High jitter significantly affects real-time applications, like online gaming and video calls, while high latency impacts their overall responsiveness. Packet loss can intensify jitter, further worsening the network connection quality.
Reducing Jitter and Improving Network Performance
- Limit the number of devices and applications competing for bandwidth to avoid network congestion, especially during high peaks.
- Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi to have a stable connection with minimal interference.
- Activate quality of service (QoS) on your router to allocate bandwidth to priority devices and applications.
- Regularly update your network hardware and firmware to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.