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.
Hi everyone.
I've just configured a new internet setup. My desktop is connected to an Orbi 770 satellite over Ethernet, and the connection performs well overall—stable speeds in all directions. However, Zoom is the only app that causes major issues. Audio works fine, but incoming video experiences heavy packet loss (ranging from 10% to 90%). Some users can see outgoing packets occasionally, but not consistently. Switching to Wi-Fi eliminates the problem entirely.
I've checked different Ethernet ports on the satellite and tested the cable itself; the issue appears only with live streaming video, such as Zoom or YouTube live events. I've also restarted the router several times without resolving it.
I'm really puzzled about this—any suggestions?
It might be necessary to update the satellite's firmware. You might attempt connecting an ethernet cable to the main router to see if it resolves the issue, though a long cable may not be practical. They can function up to 100 meters before signal loss becomes noticeable.
You could also insert an unmanaged ethernet switch between your desktop, but you'll need one. The main challenge is dealing with unnecessary equipment for troubleshooting.
Netgear GS308
(8-port Gigabit unmanaged switch) – highly suggested for Orbi mesh compatibility and ease of use.
Avoid switches with “green Ethernet” power-saving modes or aggressive energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) settings, as these may disrupt Orbi connections.
It’s not overly complicated, but the Netgear model isn’t very costly. It offers more ports than you likely require. Since it probably isn’t too expensive to produce 2- or 4-port versions for such tasks, it seems reasonable. Back in the day, 4-port hubs and switches were common before gigabit technology.
If you’re willing to try sourcing components yourself, I’ve never done that outside of buying new gear. Just remember to respect others’ property—don’t steal or borrow without permission. Do you really know anyone who’s tech-savvy and has plenty of spare parts? That kind of expertise usually comes with a small business price tag.
I should have noted that, but I did verify the satellite's firmware was current. It's only been about a week since it was installed, and I updated it during setup. I still need the satellite to connect to the wireless network—my main router can't penetrate the walls well enough for the desktop to detect it without the satellite boosting the signal.
I don't have a switch available, nor a cable that could span the long distance to the main router. Everything here feels quite unusual.
Examine the Quality of Service (QoS) configurations on the Orbi router to ensure Zoom and video streaming traffic are prioritized. If the satellite is compatible, activate options such as IGMP proxying or other streaming/QoS enhancements. roonlabs
If issues continue, reach out to Netgear support with logs, as this could relate to a known problem with specific firmware or hardware versions.
Dig deeper into the Ethernet functionality—there’s a case where a technician visited a malfunctioning network, adjusted settings, and received a $1000 bill for a simple button press, costing $999 for accurate guidance.
Check if Realtek Diagnostics Utility is effective
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAPEMCKWCRg
Was das Gespräch gerade bei ChatGPT gestartet?
Es gibt keine QoS für WLAN. Es gilt nur für die WAN-Verbindung. Unabhängig davon, wie man sich mit dem Router verbindet, wird immer dieselbe WAN-Verbindung verwendet – das ändert nichts. Die so genannte QoS in Verbraucher-Routern ist eigentlich eher eine andere Sache.
Weißt du überhaupt, was IGMP ist? Es wird im Internet nicht unterstützt und wird auch in Unternehmensumgebungen nur selten für Streaming genutzt.
Many people have put the repeater in the incorrect spot. It doesn’t go into the remote room where you usually experience signal problems. It isn’t an "AMPLIFIER"; it’s a wireless repeater that they name things like satellite or mesh node to give the impression it’s unique compared to what’s been offered for years. It still has all the same problems as any other repeater.
What this device does is establish a link with the main router. It receives all the data from the main router and then sends a copy of that data to your PC using a different Wi-Fi connection—usually on the same radio frequency, which can actually cause interference with the main router. I’ll save that point for another time.
When placed in the same room as the computer, it receives the same weak signal from the main router as the computer, often worsening the issue because it retransmits the data.
Your situation is a bit unusual. If you connect to it using an Ethernet cable, you’re effectively using an external Wi-Fi hotspot. It’s very similar to using a USB Wi-Fi hotspot, except Ethernet can travel much farther. For many users, these repeaters perform better because they have stronger antennas and can be moved away from your PC that blocks Wi-Fi signals.
The only way I see Wi-Fi being superior is if your PC is actually connecting directly to the main router rather than through the repeater. There are two Wi-Fi sessions between you and the main router when you connect via the repeater, which makes it hard for me to say this is better. Using an Ethernet cable with the repeater only uses one Wi-Fi session.
Again, this seems quite odd. I’d suggest moving the repeater closer to the router or experimenting with different placements in your room based on the length of your Ethernet cable.
It's intriguing. Currently I'm using it wired since it's roughly 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. The house's plaster walls prevent the PC from seeing the main router when the satellite isn't active, because the desktop antenna is too weak.
Is there a reason only Zoom video would be affected via Ethernet, even though cables and ports are fine? Outgoing video looks normal... I'd expect a broader network problem, but everything else works better with a wired setup except for occasional live streams.
EDIT: I also tried the wired connection during a Discord call, and there was no issue—this must be a Zoom-specific problem.