/mcpUnderstanding Jitter in Packet Voice Networks (Cisco IOS Platforms) Document ID: 18902 Contents Introduction Prerequisites Requirements Components Used Conventions Jitter in Packet Voice Networks Determine the Severity of Jitter What Causes Jitter? Encapsulation Considerations Jitter in a Frame Relay Environment Conclusion Related Information Introduction This document describes jitter, and how to measure and compensate for it. Prerequisites Requirements Readers of this document should have knowledge of these topics: Basic Cisco IOS® voice configuration • Basic understanding of Quality of Service (QoS) • Components Used The information in this document is applicable to Cisco IOS voice gateways and routers. The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command. Conventions For more information on document conventions, refer to the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions. Jitter in Packet Voice Networks Jitter is defined as a variation in the delay of received packets. At the sending side, packets are sent in a continuous stream with the packets spaced evenly apart. Due to network congestion, improper queuing, or