What is Jitter Buffer?

Jitter refers to variability in packet delay at the receiving end of a conversation, which can result in garbled or scrambled communications. To manage this issue, jitter buffers are deployed within network infrastructure. These buffers temporarily hold incoming packets to realign out-of-order packets into the correct order, thus smoothing out voice transmission and ensuring clearer conversations. Jitter buffers come in two primary types: static and dynamic. Static buffers have a fixed size and delay capacity, while dynamic buffers adjust their buffer size based on network conditions. Effective jitter management can significantly improve the quality of VoIP communications and enhance user experience.