Issue with packet loss on Ethernet while it doesn't occur on WiFi during Zoom calls.
Issue with packet loss on Ethernet while it doesn't occur on WiFi during Zoom calls.
Zoom reacts more strongly to packet loss than file transfers. It also supports much faster data speeds, which is ideal for games that also avoid packet loss. Perhaps exceeding a certain speed leads to issues. File transfer and speed tests handle packet loss more effectively.
I assume your computer connects to the repeater through Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and then the repeater connects to the main router. For most users, Wi-Fi tends to perform worse in this setup.
Packet loss on an Ethernet cable is very uncommon, but it does occur in this configuration. The straightforward solution would be to try a different cable. You should use a Cat5e cable made of pure copper with a size of 22-24. Most fake cables are available, and the flat ones are the most prevalent. It’s difficult to test anything between the PC and the repeater since the repeater often appears invisible to network tools.
Once you start noticing problems, consider checking for software issues or unusual Ethernet hardware. Even though it might be challenging, moving your PC closer to the router could help you test with a direct Ethernet connection. You could also purchase a very long cable and run it across the floor to see if that resolves the issue.
If this works directly connected, you might suspect the repeater has an unusual Ethernet problem.
As mentioned earlier, I already tested a different cable—Orbi came with a brand-new one, so I replaced my old one for this trial. Right now, I’m having trouble connecting the PC directly to the router because of home network settings, but perhaps trying it this weekend could help.
It seems unlikely the problem is with Zoom itself, since the video call with Discord had perfect audio and video without any drops or visual problems. My partner confirmed I was clear and visible throughout, and they were the same.
No need to worry.
Zoom though is an application. It doesn't directly interact with ethernet or wifi drivers. Instead, it sends data to the OS, which handles everything. The more suspicious software would be network accelerators or QoS tools, often included in motherboard or video card firmware. CFOSpeed is a typical example. Finding such software can be a long and difficult process, especially if you're unsure. It's usually best to avoid it until you're certain the issue lies elsewhere. Reinstalling Windows and apps could even resolve the problem, potentially revealing a hardware fault.
Alright, but if those were the cause, wouldn't video calls still suffer regardless of the app? It seems like I might not fully grasp what's happening here. Zoom video calls over Ethernet are problematic while Discord and other apps work fine, suggesting the issue lies with the Zoom application itself.
I also removed CFOSspeed and the problem disappeared, confirming it was a software-related issue—something I thought I had already removed when setting up the system.
Occasionally, various devices connected to the same computer may receive different network paths. This can lead to issues beyond your local network affecting performance. Depending on the version of Windows you're using, Google provides guidance on locating the route for Zoom calls and checking if it varies from your usual network settings.
post IPCONFIG/ALL result
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OK, so it's CFOSspeed - the gaming "optimization" software that actually degrades network performance yet again.
😱