CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What issue arises when mixing voice and data traffic on a network?

1. Voice is more resilient to interruptions

2. Data does not require bandwidth

3. Voice traffic is sensitive to network congestion

4. Data and voice traffic cannot coexist

The correct answer is: Voice traffic is sensitive to network congestion

Mixing voice and data traffic on a network presents challenges primarily because voice traffic is sensitive to network congestion. Voice communication requires a certain level of quality and performance to ensure that conversations are clear and free of interruptions. It is highly dependent on low latency, minimal jitter, and consistent bandwidth. When voice and data traffic are mixed, the potential for congestion increases, which can lead to delayed packets or dropped calls. In contrast, data traffic can generally tolerate higher latency and has buffering mechanisms to manage temporary interruptions without a significant negative impact on the user experience. However, excessive congestion can still affect both types of traffic, but voice is particularly susceptible as it necessitates a real-time flow of information to maintain the clarity and quality expected in communication. Overall, understanding the sensitivity of voice traffic to network conditions helps in designing networks that can effectively support mixed traffic types, ensuring that quality of service (QoS) measures are implemented to prioritize voice traffic over less time-sensitive data transmissions.