Key Takeaways
- Packet Loss means data is disappearing between you and the server.
- It causes "rubber-banding" in games and robotic voices in calls.
- Wi-Fi interference is the #1 cause.
- Fix: Use an Ethernet cable whenever possible.
You have 1000 Mbps internet but your game keeps stuttering. The culprit isn't speed—it's stability.
What is Packet Loss?
The internet sends data in small chunks called "packets". If you send 100 packets regarding your movement in a game, but the server only receives 95, you experience 5% packet loss.
To the server, you stopped moving for a split second, then teleported. This is "lag".
Common Causes
- Wi-Fi Congestion: Too many neighbors on the same channel.
- Bad Hardware: An old ethernet cable (Cat5) or an overheating router.
- Network Congestion: Someone else in the house is uploading a 4K video.
- ISP Issues: A physical break in the line down the street.
How to Fix It
- Use Ethernet: This solves 90% of issues. Wi-Fi is unstable by nature; wires are not.
- Restart Everything: Modem, Router, and PC. It clears cache buffers.
- Enable QoS (Quality of Service): In your router settings, prioritize "Gaming" traffic over "Video Streaming".
How to Test
Open Command Prompt (Windows) and type: ping google.com -n 50
Wait for it to finish. If it says "Lost = 0", your connection is stable. If lost > 1, you have a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 1% packet loss bad?
For browsing, you won't notice it. For competitive gaming or Zoom calls, yes, 1% is noticeable and annoying.
Can a VPN fix packet loss?
Sometimes. If your ISP takes a bad "route" to the game server, a VPN can force a different (cleaner) path. But usually, a VPN adds a tiny bit more latency.
Check your connection speed.
Run Speed Test