What is jitter buffer?
A jitter buffer is a small audio buffer on the receiving side of a real-time network stream that smooths out variations in packet arrival times, so playback stays continuous even when the network isn't.
What is an example of jitter buffer?
On a VoIP call, packets sometimes arrive out of order or with uneven spacing due to network conditions. The jitter buffer holds a few tens of milliseconds of audio, reordering and pacing packets so the listener hears smooth speech instead of crackles and gaps.
How does jitter buffer work?
Incoming packets are time-stamped; the buffer delays playback briefly to allow late or out-of-order packets to catch up.
How does ai-coustics help jitter buffer?
Jitter buffers are typically managed by the transport layer (WebRTC, LiveKit, Pipecat). Our Quail family sits downstream of the jitter buffer, enhancing the stable audio stream it produces or any remaining jitter artifacts.
