What is a common cause of network congestion?

A common cause of network congestion is an increase in the number of devices transmitting data simultaneously. When multiple devices access the network at the same time, they compete for limited bandwidth. Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a network path, and when many devices are trying to send or receive data concurrently, the available bandwidth can become saturated. This saturation leads to delays, packet loss, and overall lower network performance.

When the network is congested, traffic can become bottlenecked, resulting in slower speeds and increased latency for all users connected to that network. This phenomenon is especially noticeable in environments with a high density of users, such as offices, public Wi-Fi hotspots, or during peak usage times. Understanding this cause is essential for managing network performance and ensuring smooth data transmission.