What is meant by the term 'network congestion'?

Network congestion refers to a situation where the demand for network resources surpasses the available capacity. This occurs when the volume of data being sent through the network exceeds the bandwidth that can be handled by the networking equipment or infrastructure. When congestion happens, it can lead to delays, packet loss, and increased latency in data transmission, which negatively impacts the efficiency and performance of the network. Effective management of network traffic, prioritization of data packets, and upgrading of infrastructure are common strategies used to alleviate congestion and ensure smooth data flow. Understanding this concept is crucial for network professionals, as it directly affects user experience and the overall functionality of network services.