What is Jitter and How to Solve It?

Causes of Jitter

Jitter can be caused by various factors, both from the sender, receiver, and network side. Some common causes of jitter are:

  • Network load: If your internet network is too busy or congested, data packets can experience delays or losses because they have to compete with other data packets for resources, such as bandwidth, routers, switches, or servers. Network load can vary depending on the time, location, and type of application used. For example, if you use the internet during peak hours, in densely populated areas, or for data-intensive applications, such as streaming video or online games, the network load can increase and cause jitter.
  • Network quality: If your internet network has poor or unstable quality, data packets can experience delays or losses due to having to go through long, problematic, or varied paths. Network quality can be affected by a variety of factors, such as connection type, speed, protocol, encryption, or service provider. For example, if you’re using a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular, network quality may vary depending on distance, interference, or interference. If you use a wired connection, such as DSL, cable, or fiber, network quality can be compromised by damage, leaks, or cuts.
  • Network configuration: If your internet network has an incorrect or suboptimal configuration, data packets can experience delays or losses due to having to follow rules or inefficient processes, such as routing, switching, firewalls, NAT, or QoS. Network configuration can be done by yourself, by a service provider, or by a network administrator. For example, if you use a router that doesn’t match your network speed or protocol, data packets could be blocked or blocked by that router. If you use a firewall that is too strict or irregular, data packets can be rejected or modified by that firewall.

How to Deal with Jitter

Jitter can be overcome using several ways, both from the user, service provider, and application side. Some ways to deal with jitter are:

Choosing a quality connection

If you have a choice, choose an internet connection that is good quality and stable, such as fiber optic, cable, or DSL. These connections usually have low latency and jitter, as well as high bandwidth.

Avoid using wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular, if you can, as these connections are more susceptible to interference, interference, or quality changes. If you must use a wireless connection, make sure you’re in good range, there are no obstructions, and no other devices interfering with your signal.

Optimize network configuration

If you have access, we recommend you optimize your network configuration to suit your needs and conditions. You can do several things, such as:

  • Update firmware and drivers: Firmware and drivers are software that controls your network hardware, such as routers, switches, modems, or network cards. Updating firmware and drivers can help improve the performance and stability of your device, as well as fix bugs or issues. You can check and download the latest firmware and drivers from your service provider’s or device manufacturer’s website.
  • Adjust router settings: A router is a device that connects your device to the internet, as well as manages data traffic on your network. Adjusting router settings can help reduce jitter in ways such as:
    • Change your Wi-Fi channel: If you’re using Wi-Fi, you can change your Wi-Fi channel to one that’s less congested or problematic. You can use apps or software that can scan and display available Wi-Fi channels around you, as well as show you the strength, quality, and load of each channel. Choose a channel that has a strong signal, good quality, and low load. You can change your Wi-Fi channel through your router’s web interface.
    • Enable QoS: QoS or Quality of Service is a feature that can set the priority of data packets based on the type, source, or destination of the application. Enabling QoS can help reduce jitter by giving higher priority to time-sensitive applications, such as voice calls, videos, or conferences, over less sensitive applications, such as email, browsing, or downloading. You can enable QoS through your router’s web interface, and specify the applications, devices, or services you want to prioritize.
    • Disable firewall or NAT: A firewall or NAT is a feature that can protect your network from outside threats, such as viruses, malware, or hackers, by blocking or changing incoming or outgoing data packets. However, firewalls or NATs can also cause jitter by delaying, rejecting, or changing the data plan you need for your internet communication. You can disable firewalls or NAT through your router’s web interface, or create exceptions for applications, devices, or services that you use. However, you should be careful with the security risks that may arise if you disable the firewall or NAT.

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