Bufferbloat
Definition
Bufferbloat is the condition where oversized or poorly managed buffers cause unnecessary delay in packet delivery.
Key Points
- Appears when queues absorb too much traffic during congestion.
- Can preserve throughput while damaging interactive performance.
- Commonly exposed in access networks, Wi-Fi, and broadband links.
- Reduced through better queue management and congestion control.
Concept
It is a latency inflation problem caused by queue buildup, not a bandwidth shortage by itself.
Explainer
Bufferbloat can make a link appear healthy on throughput tests while creating poor user experience for voice, gaming, control, and interactive applications.
Cite this entry
Bufferbloat. ConnectedEarth Knowledge Base. https://connectedearth.space/knowledge-base/bufferbloat/ (updated 13 September 2026).