In the literal sense, a packet is a container of items and contents to be sent to other people. If you lose the packet, you’ll also end up losing the contents.
Packet loss is similar to this.
Data travels in the form of packets at the upper network layer to deliver information in a way that allows the receiver to use or order it. Packet loss refers to a situation when this information doesn’t arrive correctly.
You know how annoying it can get when you’re streaming your favorite sitcom, and the video keeps pausing? Or when the video suddenly starts to stutter during an intense game with your friends?
That’s packet loss.
There can be all kinds of reasons that cause packet loss. You need to keep a regular check on everything from network congestion to overloaded devices to faulty software and hardware.
Keep reading as we discuss how to detect, diagnose different causes, and fix packet loss.
Ready? Let’s get started!
4 Steps to Fix Packet Loss
Fixing packet loss involves the following steps:
- Detect Packet Loss Using Your Computer’s OS
- Diagnose the Different Causes of Packet Loss
- Fixing the Different Causes of Packet Loss
- Make Other Changes to Your System
What to Expect When Fixing Packet Loss
Although there is no way to achieve a 0% packet loss at all times, you can take specific measures to minimize it to get a good quality network.
Detecting packet loss in your system is very straightforward. While you do need to take extra steps to find your router’s address for typing the ping command, you get instant results. Plus, you can find the percentage of packet loss using an online tool if you want a faster solution.
Also, fixing packet loss isn’t overly complicated as there are a select few causes.
It can either be a congested bandwidth, faulty hardware or software, damaged wires, or network problems. One unique case is when your network is under a DoS attack, but other than this, identifying the cause won’t take much effort.
Besides, if you choose a reliable VoIP phone service and a network performance monitor, you may not even have to deal with these attacks. And when you do, you’ll solve them quickly.
While diagnosing the cause of packet loss is straightforward, some of these causes can be difficult to remedy.
For instance, when your software isn’t working correctly, you may have to wait for the developer to come up with an update to remove the bug. An immediate fix isn’t available most of the time, so you might have to look for an alternative software solution that doesn’t cause packet loss.
Changing the hardware isn’t always better, either.
Upgrading or replacing your modem, router, and cables cost money, which can be an issue for businesses with tight budgets. There is not much you can do as changing hardware is usually the last resort if nothing else is working to eliminate or minimize packet loss.
If you end up getting targeted by a cybercriminal, you’ll have to deal with DoS attacks. And if you don’t resolve the problem soon, your network will end up crashing. You’ll need advanced cybersecurity to prevent such attacks, which again won’t be cheap.
Step 1 — Detect Packet Loss Using Your Computer’s OS
You can detect packet loss in two ways.
The first is visiting this packet loss test website. You simply have to run a quick test to see the results on your network. This method is best if you are short on time and want more immediate results.
The other method is more thorough and direct, where you use the Command Prompt or PowerShell in Windows or visit the Terminal folder on Macs to see packet loss.
Seeing Packet Loss in Windows
Right-click on the Start button, and then select Windows PowerShell (Admin) on the displayed menu.
Then you have to type ‘Ping’ followed by your router‘s address (you can find the router address through this guide).
In the results, you see a percentage next to Loss. Something like this:
This number should be zero as it indicates all packets have reached their destination. Keep in mind that this test is merely local. If you want to see the packet loss between a website and your PC, you’ll nee