How Network Jitter Can Affect Your VoIP Calls and How To Resolve It
Network jitter is a problem we’ve all experienced. Dropped calls, declining call quality, and delayed responses are all too common.
We’ve seen them on TV, we’ve experienced them during conference calls, and we’re tired of them. Here’s why network jitter occurs and how to get rid of it.
What is Network Jitter?
Network jitter refers to the congestion that results from too many internet connections. Now, think of that scale in the millions. Millions of packets trying to use the same IP network will result in overcrowding. For VoIP calls, that means poor call quality, and dropped calls.
What Causes Network Jitter?
There are a combination of factors that can cause network jitter. Let’s look at most prominent root causes:
Poor Internet Connection
This is pretty straightforward. Bad internet connections and poor ISPs will result in network jitter.
Latency
Latency refers to the time taken for sound to exit someone’s mouth and reach your ear. Latency is most apparent when there is echo on a VoIP call.
Poor Routers
This is the most common cause of call quality problems when it comes to network jitter. Businesses use their internet connections for both data transfers and voice connections. This typically isn’t a problem unless the routers aren’t configured properly. Voice packets won’t be prioritized and VoIP calls will be affected. If heavy downloads are occurring at the same time as a call, call quality will drop and eventually, the call may drop as well.
How Network Jitter can Affect Your VoIP Calls
There are three types of effects that network jitter can have on VoIP calls. They’re all delays of some kind that result in bad reception and eventually, disconnection.
Propagation Delay
This refers to the delay between the head of the signal to travel between the receiver and sender. This delay comprises of a ratio. It’s the mapping link length to the propagation speed over a medium (d/s). This delay is inevitable as the distance between the sender and receiver increases. For instance, a 13,000 mile stretch of fiber network will generate a delay measuring 70 ms in time. While imperceptible to the human ear, it can create a noticeable delay when combined with handling and propagation delay.
Handling Delay
When devices are forwarding the frame through a network, they can have an impact on phone networks. Hence, this is a delay caused by localized transmission between standard phone devices. These delays can cause very prominent issues.
Queueing Delay
If there are too many calls, there will obviously be a congestion when it comes to calls. Several packets in a queue can result in overcrowding. Then, the interface won’t be able to manage all the data simultaneously. All these delays combined can create network jitter that impedes business.
How You Can Get Rid of Network Jitter
Obtain faster Internet Speed
If you have a faster internet speed, you’ll be less likely to face latency issues. Hence, changing your ISP or getting a better deal on your internet package may be a simple solution for better VoIP call quality.
Upgrade Hardware
Upgrading your hardware may also be a great solution to your network jitter problem. Splurging a little on better routers or better cables may solve a lot of your problems for the foreseeable future.
Add a Jitter Buffer
Jitter buffers work to combat the issue of network jitter. They’re the best option for how you can get rid of network jitter. Jitter buffer simply collects mis-ordered data packets and delivers them in order. This prevents them from arriving too late or too early.
Get Joon for Your Business VoIP needs
Joon provides reliable business phone service, hardware, softphone and mobile apps
using state of the art cloud technology and the power of the Internet. Let’s get to know you first and find a solution that meets your needs. Please contact us today to learn more.
