Description: Delay variation, commonly referred to as jitter, refers to the variation in the delay times of packets traveling through a network. This phenomenon is crucial in assessing the quality of service (QoS) in communication networks, as it can significantly affect user experience, especially in real-time applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and audio streaming. Jitter is measured as the difference between the arrival time of packets and the expected time, which can result in inconsistent data delivery. Low jitter indicates that packets arrive uniformly and predictably, while high jitter can cause interruptions, delays, and poor service quality. Managing jitter is essential to ensure that time-sensitive applications function optimally, achieved through traffic prioritization and network optimization techniques. In summary, jitter is a key indicator of network stability and reliability, and its control is fundamental to maintaining a satisfactory user experience.
