Key Strategic Measures to Reduce Network Jitters on VoIP Calls

Network Jitter is usual but an annoying performance issue in VoIP calls that affects the quality of the call just like delay, latency, and packet loss. Call quality is a matter of utmost importance for companies that relies on calling onboard customers. Poor call quality significantly affects customer satisfaction and convenience to communicate with key stakeholders of the business.

Rather than depending upon Publicly Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for calling, VoIP service is provided over an internet link that subsequently transmits the voice over the internet cutting down on the exorbitant infrastructural expenditure. However, it should be noted that since VoIP uses an active internet connection to make calls, delays and hiccups may affect the call quality due to poor internet connectivity.

Why do we experience Network Jitters?

Variation in the packets delay affects the customer communication and conference calls. For instance, if a person’s voice reaches in a different order while talking to others, then impacts the conversation.

The call quality is considered to be an exception when there is no jitter. HD VoIP codecs such as G.722 and G.729 provide more consistency and clarity during VoIP calls. High jitter results in lower quality of sound during phone calls and video calls. Several data packets are used by these applications and if the packets are not quick, the routers drop them instantly.

Understanding Network Jitter

Data packets are delivered in increments for a smooth calling experience. The path of the packet from a user’s desk to a VoIP service provider is not a direct path. VoIP sends these data packets to the receiver’s device from other devices to enable the conversation back and forth. However, as the voice data is distributed in individual packets, some packets might reach the receiver faster than the others, due to network congestion or interruption. This congestion of disruption is referred to as a jitter.

Network jitter affects real-time online activity between two users. Mostly, users experience jitter while using Wi-Fi. Jitter is experienced during phone calls rather than watching videos online.

When the bandwidth is exhausted, network congestion causes queuing delays, leading to more latency. Data packets are re-arranged at the recipient’s side, adding up to the amount of jitter. VoIP is susceptible to jitter issues, as users can recognize delays beyond 500 milliseconds. The voice quality can be messy or unclear depending on the extent of jitter.

Key Measures to Fix Network Jitters

Jitter Buffer

Jitter buffer helps to delay incoming data packets and buffer them for a while. It can buffer the traffic from 30 to 200 milliseconds before it reaches the end-user. Data packets are delivered in order with a marginalized delay with a jitter buffer.

A perfectly used jitter buffer can re-arrange data packets affected by transmission delays. The packets will be processed in an unbroken flow through processors transforming them into sound. With buffering of packets in the correct order and retransmitting them at regular distributed intervals, jitter buffer can assure that they will reach in order and users can enjoy uninterrupted VoIP call quality.

Quality of Service (QoS)

When it comes to non-voice traffic, many businesses discover that their networks are overburdened. There is a risk that it will limit both the availability and access to VoIP networks. Large data transfers should be performed outside of business hours to minimize packet prioritization issues.

VoIP traffic particularly DSCP class 46 voice packets should be given the top priority. QoS does not affect download speed as it assures that voice traffic is not queued. Read full article on Tips to Optimize Call Quality with Quality of Services

Increase Bandwidth

Change WAN providers if everything else fails. Choose a fiber-optic connection for minimum latency. It is the last worthwhile option. Assess network configuration by consulting with a VoIP service provider. When it comes to VoIP systems, a firmware upgrade may be all that is needed. Pro Tip: disabling SIP ALG doesn't concern VoIP jitter, but it might help.

Use a Powerful Router

Using a quality router can reduce the amount of network jitter as it prioritizes voice traffic over all other types of traffic. However, it can be hard to anticipate how effectively it will manage jitters. Exploring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and reading reviews from people who have experienced similar issues may resolve the issue.

Get the Best VoIP Service Providers to Avoid Network Jitter

With its feature-rich telephony service, VoIP can be more powerful than traditional business telephony. VoIP is very effective, but it depends on the quality of internet.  An unreliable internet connection makes VoIP vulnerable to delays and network jitter.

BridgeVoice is one of the most reliable and robust VoIP service providers enabling carriers to access a range of alternative network providers and carriers to deliver quality services to their customers along with smooth international calling. Its wholesale VoIP and automated route trading platform allows operators to create new revenue opportunities around the world within a secured and balanced ecosystem across a variety of telecom services.

Naishil Jha

Naishil is a Content Writer at Panamax with rich exposure in the field of Creative Content, Marketing Communications and Branding. His academic background is in Mass Communication and Journalism and has been working on varied content pieces. He can be found, reading about Cricket, performing street photography and cooking some delicious food in his leisure time.