Which type of traffic is most sensitive to quality issues like latency and jitter?

Voice and video communications are the types of traffic most sensitive to quality issues such as latency and jitter because they rely on real-time data transmission. In these applications, maintaining a constant flow of data is crucial to ensure a clear and uninterrupted experience. Latency, which refers to the delay before data starts to transfer, can lead to noticeable delays in conversations, making it difficult for participants to engage in natural dialogue. Jitter, the variation in packet arrival times, can cause choppy audio or video, leading to a disruptive user experience.

In contrast, other types of traffic like data transfer, file sharing, and email communication can tolerate some delays and variations in data delivery, as these applications often involve buffering or retransmission of data. For instance, a file transfer session can experience delays without significantly impacting the overall outcome, since the transfer can pause and pick up again. Therefore, while all types of network traffic have some sensitivity to quality issues, voice and video communications demand the highest level of performance to function effectively.