Packet loss is the silent killer of video calls, gaming sessions, and remote work. Use this guide to confirm loss is real, isolate where it happens, and apply the fix that matches the root cause.
Every connection sends data as packets. When a packet doesn't arrive (or arrives corrupted), it has to be retransmitted. Real-time protocols like UDP can't wait, so the missing data is simply gone — that's what causes audio dropouts, blocky video, and rubber-banding in games.
Run through these steps in order. Each step links to the right diagnostic tool.
Check overall throughput
Loss often shows up as 'fast but laggy' — speed test confirms.
Open Speed TestAnything sustained above 1% degrades real-time apps. Above 5% breaks them. Bursty loss can be worse than steady loss.
If the loss starts inside the ISP's network (traceroute will show), yes — open a ticket with the traceroute output.
Frequently. Retransmissions on the wireless link present as packet loss to apps. Try ethernet to confirm.
No. Latency is delay; loss is dropped data. They often happen together when a link is congested, but they're independent problems.
Monitor it continuously
Save this check, get alerts on changes, and track multiple domains in one dashboard.