What impact does excessive latency have on VoIP calls?

Excessive latency negatively affects VoIP calls by introducing delays that disrupt the real-time nature of voice communication. Latency is the time it takes for data packets to travel from the sender to the receiver. In the context of VoIP, high latency can lead to significant delays in speech, causing two parties in a conversation to inadvertently talk over one another or experience interruptions. This can greatly diminish the quality of the audio, leading to confusion and frustration during calls.

Additionally, poor audio quality may manifest in various forms, such as echoes, pauses, or clipped sounds, all of which can disrupt the flow of conversation. VoIP systems are designed to facilitate immediate communication, so any delay can severely impact the user experience and reduce the effectiveness of the call. Thus, the correct answer highlights the detrimental effects of excessive latency on VoIP by noting its role in creating delays and degrading overall audio quality.