Which of the following is a consequence of network congestion?

Network congestion occurs when the demand for network resources exceeds the available capacity, leading to delays and bottlenecks in data transmission. One of the key consequences of network congestion is decreased response times for users. When a network is congested, packets of data may experience delays as they wait to be transmitted, which can result in slower access to applications and services, longer loading times for web pages, and increased latency in communication.

This slowdown directly affects user experience, as individuals may find that their commands or requests take significantly longer to be processed during periods of congestion. Consequently, response times increase, leading to frustration and decreased productivity for users who rely on timely access to network resources.

In contrast, improved data transfer speeds, increased security, and better resource utilization are not results of network congestion. Rather, they are typically associated with efficient network performance and management. During congestion, resources are not utilized effectively, and the network may become more vulnerable to security risks as it struggles to accommodate the traffic demands.