congestion

1. In a communications system, such as a computer network or a communications network, a state or condition that occurs when more users attempt to use a service than the system is capable of handling. Note: The wide bandwidth of fiber optic links provides an increased number of channels compared to coaxial cable and paired-cable links, thus easing congestion conditions. 2. In a communications system, a state that exists when a call is placed and all circuits capable of routing the call are busy, i.e., there are no idle channels to handle the call. 3. In a communications system, a state that exists when a call is placed and at least one circuit required to route the call is busy. 4. In a saturated communications system, the condition that occurs when one additional demand for service occurs. Seefrequency spectrum congestion, network congestion, reception congestion. See alsobandwidth, busy, call, channel, circuit, coaxial cable, collision, communications system, communications network, compare...