In the context of VoIP, what is a common consequence of exceeding acceptable latency levels?

Exceeding acceptable latency levels in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can lead to choppy audio and delays during calls. Latency refers to the time it takes for voice packets to travel from the sender to the receiver. When this delay becomes excessive, it disrupts the flow of conversation, causing audio to drop out or sound fragmented. This results in an overall poor user experience, where participants may find it difficult to communicate effectively. A certain level of latency is acceptable, but when it exceeds thresholds commonly set in VoIP standards, it negatively impacts the call quality. This issue is significant because VoIP relies on timely packet delivery to maintain smooth, natural conversation flow, making proper latency management crucial for optimal performance.