Packet Loss Test: How to Fix Rubberbanding and Lag
If you've ever been "teleported" back to a previous spot in a game or had your Zoom call freeze for 3 seconds, you've experienced Packet Loss. It's the silent killer of smooth internet experiences.
⚡ What is Packet Loss?
Networking works by breaking your data into small "packets". **Packet loss** is when some of those packets are lost or destroyed during transit. Imagine sending a 10-page letter, but receiving only pages 1, 4, and 9. The message becomes unreadable.
The Difference Between Ping and Packet Loss
Ping is about speed — how long it takes a packet to go and come back.Packet Loss is about reliability — whether the packet arrives at all.
You can have a "fast" 20ms ping, but if you have 10% packet loss, your connection will feel broken. Conversely, a stable 100ms ping with 0% loss is perfectly fine for everything except competitive gaming.
Common Causes of Packet Loss
- WiFi Interference: Walls, baby monitors, and neighbor's routers can drop your packets.
- Network Congestion: Too much traffic on one node can cause packets to be intentionally dropped.
- Faulty Hardware: Dying modems or frayed Ethernet cables.
- ISP Issues: Noise on the line or bad routing at the provider level.
WiFi is the #1 Culprit
Over 80% of packet loss reports for home users are caused by using WiFi instead of Ethernet. Use a **Cat6 cable** whenever possible for gaming or critical work.
How to Test for Packet Loss
While a standard speed test gives you a snapshot, packet loss is best diagnosed over time.
Method 1: ScanPings.net Jitter Analysis
High jitter (variation in ping) is almost always a sign of underlying packet loss. If your jitter on ScanPings is higher than 15ms, you are likely dropping packets.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. The "Wired" Rule
Plug it in. If the packet loss stops when you use an Ethernet cable, your WiFi is the problem. You might need a newer router or to move closer to the access point.
2. Check for "Bufferbloat"
Sometimes packet loss only happens when you are downloading. This is caused by Bufferbloat. Check out our Bufferbloat Guide to fix this.
3. Update Everything
Outdated network card drivers on your PC or firmware on your router can cause packet handle errors. Check for updates at least once a quarter.
When to Call Your ISP
If you have 0% packet loss on Ethernet but 5%+ when testing directly from your modem, the problem is likely in the "last mile" — the physical cable coming from the street. Call your provider and ask them to check for "noise on the line."
Stop the Rubberbanding
Test your connection stability now. If your Jitter is high, you're losing data.
Check Stability Now →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Packet Loss?
Packet loss occurs when one or more "packets" of data travelling across a computer network fail to reach their destination. It is often measured as a percentage of packets lost with respect to packets sent.
Is 1% packet loss bad for gaming?
Yes. In fast-paced games like Valorant, CS:GO, or Warzone, even 1% packet loss can cause noticeable "rubberbanding" (your character jumping around) or hits not registering. For casual web browsing, 1% is rarely noticed.
How do I check for packet loss?
You can check for packet loss using a tool like ScanPings.net by watching your Jitter and stability. High jitter is often a precursor to packet loss. You can also use the Command Prompt on Windows by typing "ping google.com -t" and looking for "Request timed out".
How do I fix packet loss?
Start by switching to an Ethernet (wired) connection. Most packet loss is caused by WiFi interference. Other fixes include replacing outdated cables, updating router firmware, or contacting your ISP if the issue is in their lines.