How to Fix Packet Loss

Packet loss means a percentage of data packets sent across your connection never arrive at their destination. Even 1–2% packet loss causes severe problems for real-time applications: voice on calls becomes choppy, video freezes, and games stutter. This guide covers how to find and fix the source.

What packet loss actually causes

Packet loss %	Effect on gaming	Effect on video calls	Effect on downloads
0%	Perfect	Perfect	Full speed
0.1–0.5%	Occasional stutter	Slight audio artefacts	Minor speed reduction
1–2%	Noticeable lag, rubber-banding	Choppy audio and video	Moderate speed reduction
3–5%	Severe lag, game barely playable	Frequent freezes	Significant TCP retransmissions
Above 5%	Unplayable	Call drops or unusable	Very slow; connection may fail

Step 1: Locate where the packet loss is occurring

Packet loss can occur at any point between your device and the destination server. You need to isolate which hop is responsible:

Run a traceroute with continuous ping. On Windows: pathping 8.8.8.8 or use WinMTR. On macOS/Linux: mtr 8.8.8.8. These tools show packet loss at each hop separately.
Interpret the results: Packet loss only at an intermediate hop, with zero loss at the final destination, is typically router ICMP rate limiting (not a real problem). Packet loss that appears at a hop and persists to the destination indicates actual loss.
Identify the hop: If the first hop (your router) shows packet loss, the problem is between your device and router. If it's the second or third hop (your ISP's infrastructure), that's an ISP line problem.

Step 2: Diagnose by connection type

If packet loss is on Wi-Fi

Run the same test while connected via Ethernet. If packet loss disappears on Ethernet, the problem is Wi-Fi-related:

Radio interference from 2.4 GHz band - switch to 5 GHz
Weak signal - Move closer to the router or add a mesh node
Overloaded Wi-Fi channel from neighbouring networks - Change channel to a less congested one
Wi-Fi driver issue on your device - Update Wi-Fi driver

If packet loss persists on Ethernet

Connect your computer directly to the modem, bypassing the router entirely. If packet loss stops, your router is the problem - Update firmware, check for overheating, or consider replacement. If packet loss persists when connected directly to the modem, the problem is the ISP line. Modem vs router - What each device does →

ISP line packet loss

On cable connections, line noise causes corrupted packets which the modem discards. On DSL, line attenuation and noise cause the same. Contact your ISP with your traceroute/MTR results showing loss at their first hop. They can run a remote line quality test and check signal levels at your premises. Request an engineer visit if remote tests show abnormal levels.

Causes specific to cable (DOCSIS) connections

Cable internet is shared infrastructure - Your coaxial cable connects to a node shared with many neighbours. Causes of packet loss on cable:

Cable/splitter quality: Cheap or corroded splitters between your cable entry point and modem introduce noise. Remove unnecessary splitters; replace any corroded ones
Cable condition: Damaged or ageing coaxial cable, especially at outdoor connections, introduces noise. Inspect accessible cable runs
Node congestion: During peak hours, a heavily loaded cable node can cause packet loss. This is an ISP infrastructure issue, not fixable at home - See ISP congestion guide
Modem upstream power: Check your modem's admin page for upstream power level and signal-to-noise ratio. Upstream power should be between 38–48 dBmV; SNR above 33 dB. Values outside these ranges indicate line problems

Packet loss from the game server side

Not all packet loss is on your connection. Game servers can also be overloaded or have intermittent issues. To distinguish between connection-side and server-side loss:

Test with a different game server or region - If loss disappears with a different server, the issue is on the server side or the routing to that specific server
Check the game's status page or community forums - Widespread reports of packet loss to a specific server indicate a server-side issue
Use the game's built-in network diagnostics if available (many FPS games show packet loss in the HUD)

Fixing packet loss: priority order

Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet - Eliminates Wi-Fi packet loss entirely
Update router firmware - Fixes software-related packet drop issues
Remove unnecessary cable splitters on your coaxial line (cable internet)
Move router to a central, open location with ventilation
Contact ISP with MTR results showing loss at their infrastructure
Request a line test and engineer visit if ISP-side loss is confirmed

How to fix packet loss

Locate where loss occurs. Run a continuous traceroute tool such as MTR or pathping to a reliable target to see which hop is dropping packets.
Rule out Wi-Fi. Repeat the test on Ethernet; if the loss disappears, address the wireless cause with a band change, better placement, or a driver update.
Isolate the router. Connect the computer directly to the modem, bypassing the router; if loss stops, update the router firmware or replace the router.
Inspect the cabling. On cable connections remove unnecessary splitters and check coaxial or phone lines for damage and corrosion that introduce noise.
Escalate to your ISP. If loss persists straight from the modem, send your traceroute results to your ISP and request a line test and an engineer visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a small amount of packet loss normal?

Occasional, momentary loss well under 0.5 percent is common and rarely noticeable for browsing or downloads, because TCP simply resends the missing data. Real-time traffic like voice and gaming is far more sensitive, where even 1 to 2 percent causes audible choppiness and rubber-banding. Persistent loss above roughly 1 percent to the destination is worth investigating.

Why does a traceroute show loss in the middle but not at the end?

Many routers deprioritize or rate-limit the ICMP replies that traceroute relies on, so an intermediate hop can display loss while still forwarding your real traffic perfectly. Loss that appears at one hop and then continues all the way to the final destination is the pattern that indicates a genuine problem. Judge by the destination, not by a single middle hop.

Can packet loss reduce my download speed even without dropping a call?

Yes, because TCP treats loss as a congestion signal and slows its sending rate each time a packet is lost, then ramps back up gradually. Even a low, steady loss rate can cap throughput well below your line speed through repeated retransmissions and backoff. This is why a connection with intermittent loss can feel slow despite a healthy plan.

Does packet loss get worse in bad weather?

On outdoor cable, DSL, and fixed-wireless connections it can, because moisture, temperature swings, and corroded outdoor fittings raise line noise that corrupts packets. Loss that reliably tracks rain or time of day points to a physical line fault rather than your home equipment. Note the pattern and give it to your ISP so they can run a line test.