Packet Loss
- Packet loss is when data packets fail to reach their destination while traveling across a network. All online gaming consists of network equipment and is therefore at risk of packet loss from packets being dropped, ignored, misdelivered, or discarded.
- LAG SPIKES are the most common or visible symptom of packet loss, especially in multiplayer games like Fortnite.
- In competitive gaming, you’ll want your packet loss to be much less than 1% (ideally 0%)
- Some of the most basic causes of packet loss are:
- Network congestion (this could be inside your network - family members streaming or gaming at the same time as you)
- Faulty ethernet port or cable
- Outdated router firmware
- Issues with the network interface controller
- Issues with the game’s servers
- Old hardware and/or software
- The starting point for addressing packet loss is to make sure your devices’ software is updated (this is usually a free option), using wired connections like ethernet (usually a low cost option) instead of wireless networks, and if someone else in your home is watching videos or gaming see if your performance improves when they stop. Replacing or updating hardware itself is an option but starts to become more expensive.
- If you’re stuck on wireless connection, try moving your device closer to the router and to a place with fewer walls or floors between them, and experiment with the different wifi frequency bands if your router allows you to specify.
- If you’ve addressed all of the above and are still experiencing packet loss on PC, a solution many of the top gamers are using is www.exitlag.com. We’ve used it ourselves and, in our experience on different PC builds and different internet connections, it has provided improved results.
- Packet loss is often the result of multiple issues, so try to apply multiple layers of improvement per above to get the best results.