Which term describes variability in packet arrival times in a network?

Which term describes variability in packet arrival times in a network?

• A. Latency
• B. Bandwidth
• C. Throughput
• D. Jitter

Answer: (D)

Jitter describes the variability in packet arrival times on a network. Latency is the total delay a single packet experiences, bandwidth is the capacity to move data, and throughput is the actual data rate achieved, none of which capture how arrival timing fluctuates from packet to packet. Jitter focuses on those timing irregularities caused by queueing, congestion, or changing routes, which can disrupt real-time applications like VoIP or video streaming if buffers aren’t enough to smooth the flow. Understanding jitter helps assess how consistently packets arrive, not just how fast they travel or how much data can be sent.

Jitter describes the variability in packet arrival times on a network. Latency is the total delay a single packet experiences, bandwidth is the capacity to move data, and throughput is the actual data rate achieved, none of which capture how arrival timing fluctuates from packet to packet. Jitter focuses on those timing irregularities caused by queueing, congestion, or changing routes, which can disrupt real-time applications like VoIP or video streaming if buffers aren’t enough to smooth the flow. Understanding jitter helps assess how consistently packets arrive, not just how fast they travel or how much data can be sent.