Latency in VoIP: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Fix It
When you're on a VoIP call and there's a weird pause before the other person responds, that's latency, the delay between when you speak and when the other person hears it. Also known as network delay, it's not just a minor annoyance—it's the #1 reason people ditch VoIP for traditional phones, even when their internet is fast. You don't need a PhD to understand it: if latency is over 150 milliseconds, conversations start feeling like talking through a wall. At 300ms, people start talking over each other. At 500ms? You might as well be emailing.
Latency isn't caused by one thing—it's a chain reaction. Your VoIP codec, the software that compresses and sends your voice can add delay if it uses long packetization intervals like 30ms instead of 20ms. Your network router, the device managing your internet traffic might be bogged down by video calls, downloads, or outdated firmware. Even your Wi-Fi signal, especially if you're using older standards like Wi-Fi 5, can introduce lag when multiple devices are connected. And if your call has to bounce through extra servers—like when TURN over TCP or TLS kicks in to get past a firewall—that’s more delay piled on top.
Here’s the thing: you can’t fix latency by just upgrading your internet plan. A 1 Gbps connection won’t help if your router is dropping packets or your phone system is using the wrong codec settings. Real fixes are simple but specific: switch to 20ms packetization, prioritize VoIP traffic with QoS, use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi for desk phones, and avoid using free VoIP apps that route calls through overloaded servers. Companies that ignore latency think they’re saving money—they’re actually losing customers who hang up after three awkward pauses.
The posts below show you exactly how latency shows up in real systems—whether it’s from codec choices, firewall tricks, wireless headsets, or poor network setups. You’ll see how MOS and PESQ scores measure the damage, how transrating beats transcoding to reduce delay, and why some "free" VoIP services are just latency factories. No theory. No fluff. Just what breaks your calls, and how to fix it before your next meeting.
