When implementing QoS in a converged network, which two factors are critical to improve network performance for real-time traffic?

In a converged network, where multiple types of traffic (such as voice, video, and data) share the same infrastructure, maintaining the quality of service (QoS) for real-time applications is paramount. Delay and jitter are critical factors in this context because they directly affect the user experience of real-time traffic.

Delay refers to the time it takes for a packet to travel from the source to the destination. Real-time applications, especially voice and video, are particularly sensitive to delay; even a few hundred milliseconds can result in noticeable lag, causing disruptions in communication or poor video quality.

Jitter, on the other hand, refers to the variation in packet arrival times. Inconsistent timing can lead to problems in audio and video streams, resulting in choppy sound or video playback. By managing jitter effectively, QoS can ensure a smoother, more continuous stream of data, which is crucial for a pleasant user experience.

While throughput, latency, bandwidth, speed, packet loss, and error rates are significant aspects of overall network performance, they do not specifically address the unique challenges posed by real-time applications like delay and jitter. Focusing on these two factors is essential for delivering a reliable and high-quality experience in converged networks, ensuring that real-time traffic