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).