Packet loss occurs during gameplay yet remains undetected in basic network diagnostics.
Packet loss occurs during gameplay yet remains undetected in basic network diagnostics.
Hello! I've noticed occasional packet loss while playing games lately. It doesn't occur all the time, but I haven't been able to confirm it during ping or trace route tests even when it was happening. I'm unsure if it's related to UDP packets versus TCP or if it's specific to certain servers. This issue appeared in both Valorant and CS2. In CS2, it was much more severe and affected my gameplay significantly. After checking the console, I saw consistent reports of packet loss over 25%. When I pingged the server IPs listed in the console using tools like hrPING or Ping Plotter, no loss was detected. The same went for any IPs I tried. During gameplay, I also checked various servers, including those provided by Riot Support, but couldn't reproduce the problem. It seems sporadic and random, which makes it hard to pinpoint. I've tried online tests, but they didn't show any loss. I assume my ISP might be the culprit, but they may not help unless I provide more details about where the issue lies. Also, I'm using Ethernet.
Your connection might be affected. Consider switching to Wi-Fi. Let me know if this is the same issue.
Consider running a bufferbloat test if you haven't done so already. Also, connect to your router/modem's settings and modify or turn off QoS. UDP packets are meant to be discarded, which means they sacrifice reliability for faster transmission, potentially causing fewer smart devices to notice and accept lower priority.
Bufferbloat is really bad with my current ISP. But I don’t waste bandwidth to trigger any bufferbloat while playing games. My connection has 150Mbits both ways. While gaming, it’s just my dad watching TV, mostly at 1080p or lower. Even 4K shouldn’t cause bufferbloat, since it only starts behaving oddly after 135-140 Mbits/sec. Also, the QoS settings on my ISP’s ONT are terrible and are turned off by default. I can’t change them because they don’t let me.
Not having QoS is quite problematic because it allows others to easily strain your network at times. Have you considered that the servers—like Steam, Valve, or Riot—might be unreliable? That’s likely given their connection to those companies. This situation could mean they restrict certain actions. PS: Are you aware that Valorant uses a rootkit you can’t control? It might involve several factors, and your ISP might play a role, though I’m not sure yet. I ran a speed test, especially the packet loss check, which the app handles automatically.