Jitter
Short definition
Jitter is variation in packet arrival timing that can disrupt smooth voice playback over an IP network.
Meaning and how it works
Voice is transported in packets that may experience different delays along the path. When arrival times fluctuate, the receiver may struggle to play audio at a steady pace, producing gaps or distortion. Jitter differs from consistently high network latency.
Business applications
- Business scenario:
During calls over congested office Wi‑Fi, speech starts sounding choppy even though the connection remains established.
What to check before implementation
Review jitter alongside packet loss, latency and jitter-buffer settings. A single snapshot may not reflect recurring quality problems.