Latency, Bandwidth And Jitter: What Does It All Mean?

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

If your video calls keep freezing and streaming takes ages to buffer, chances are latency, bandwidth, or jitter are to blame, even if you didn’t realise it. These terms often come up when talking about internet speed and explain why your connection feels smooth or glitchy. So what do they mean and why should you care? 

 

The Latency Delay

 

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, like a round-trip journey. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms) and lower numbers mean faster responses. High latency causes noticeable delays, especially in real-time activities like video calls, online gaming and phone calls, where even a slight lag can disrupt the experience.

 

What Causes Latency?

 

Latency is affected by several factors. Distance plays a big role; the further data travels, the longer it takes. Network congestion can cause delays when too many devices use the network. Inefficient routing and outdated hardware like old routers or cables can also increase latency.

 

How Much Latency Is Too Much?

 

Here’s a rough guide on latencies:

• 0-50 ms: Excellent – Ideal for real-time communication and gaming
  
• 50-100 ms: Good – Still acceptable for most applications
  
• 100-200 ms: Noticeable – Real-time interactions may suffer
  
• 200+ ms: Poor – High chance of lags and delays

 

Bandwidth: The Size Of The Pipe

 

While latency is about how fast data gets from point A to point B, bandwidth is about how much data can be sent at once. Think of bandwidth as the width of a water pipe: a wider pipe allows more water to flow through, just as more bandwidth allows more data to move through your internet connection at the same time.

Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Why Does Bandwidth Matter?

 

Bandwidth is critical when multiple devices or applications are using the internet at once. Higher bandwidth helps prevent bottlenecks and slowdowns. For example:

• Streaming 4K video requires around 25 Mbps per stream
  
• Video conferencing (like Zoom or Teams) can use 1-4 Mbps per participant
  
• Online gaming uses less bandwidth than you might think (usually under 1 Mbps), but low latency is much more important

 

Common Misconception: Speed vs Bandwidth

 

People often confuse bandwidth with internet speed. Bandwidth doesn’t necessarily mean faster internet as such; it just means more capacity. You could have high bandwidth but still find you’re getting delays due to high latency or jitter.

 

Jitter: The Unpredictable Interruption

 

Jitter refers to the inconsistent timing of data packet arrivals. In a perfect network, packets arrive in a steady, predictable flow, but with jitter, they come unevenly or out of order. This variation, measured in milliseconds, can cause disruptions like voices cutting out or images freezing during calls, jerky and unpredictable gameplay in online games and buffering or dropped frames while streaming live content.

 

What Causes Jitter?

 

Jitter can be caused by several different things. Network congestion happens when too many devices or too much traffic slow the network. Poor-quality hardware, like low-end routers or switches, can struggle to manage traffic smoothly. Wireless interference from obstacles or other electronics also disrupts WiFi signals. Changes in data routing can further cause fluctuations that increase jitter.

 

What Are Ideal Jitter Levels?

 

• Under 30 ms: Excellent – Real-time applications run smoothly
  
• 30-50 ms: Acceptable – Minor disruptions might occur
  
• Over 50 ms: Problematic – Voice, video and gaming quality may suffer

 

How These Concepts Are Interconnected?

 

It’s important to understand that latency, bandwidth and jitter work together to determine your overall network performance. To use an analogy, imagine you’re trying to fill a bathtub:

• Bandwidth is the width of the tap. A wider tap (higher bandwidth) fills the bath faster
  
• Latency is the delay between turning on the tap and water starting to flow
  
• Jitter is the inconsistency in the flow. Sometimes the water trickles, sometimes it gushes

Even with a high-bandwidth tap, if there’s a big delay (high latency) or inconsistent flow (high jitter), filling the bath (transferring data) will be a frustrating experience.

 

How Can I Improve Latency, Bandwidth and Jitter?

 

If you’re experiencing performance issues, here are some general tips:

 

Improve Latency

 

To improve latency, it’s best to use wired connections whenever possible, because Ethernet is generally faster and more reliable than WiFi. Choosing servers that are physically closer to you can also help, especially for activities like gaming or using cloud services.

Upgrading to a higher-performance router or modem can make a big difference as well. Additionally, cutting the number of background apps that are using your network can free up bandwidth and help reduce delays.

 

Increase Bandwidth

 

If you often find yourself hitting your data limits, it’s a good idea to talk to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about upgrading your plan to get more bandwidth. When your connection is tight, try to limit simultaneous streaming or large downloads to avoid overloading your network.

You can also look into Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router, which let you prioritise important traffic to keep things running smoothly.

 

Reduce Jitter

 

To reduce jitter, it’s best to avoid using WiFi for time-sensitive activities like video calls or streaming, and instead use an Ethernet connection whenever possible. Upgrading to dual-band or tri-band routers can also help minimise wireless interference, providing a more stable connection. Additionally, regularly rebooting your router and keeping its firmware up to date can improve overall network performance and reduce disruptions.

 

Why Does It All Matter?

 

Latency, bandwidth and jitter might sound like technical jargon, but they play a big role in how you experience the internet every day. Whether you’re a casual user trying to stream a show, a remote worker attending video meetings or an IT manager ensuring a smooth network for hundreds of employees, understanding these terms can help you diagnose issues and make informed decisions.

In a nutshell:

• Low latency = faster response times
  
• High bandwidth = more capacity
  
• Low jitter = more consistent and reliable performance

Together, they define how good (or bad) your internet connection feels. And now that you know what they all mean, you’re better equipped to make the most of your digital life – or troubleshoot when things go wrong.