How can packet loss affect your broadband connection?
Data is transmitted in discrete units known as packets. When a network server is overloaded, these can get discarded. This is known as packet loss and results in slow loading game dynamics and graphics, or the unsatisfactory performance of a VPN connection.
In such circumstances, there isn't much which can be done to improve matters, as the cause is not associated with your PC or broadband service. But to see if you are suffering from packet loss, a Ping test can be a good indicator.
In Windows XP/2000:
Click Start then Run. A dialog box will appear, type cmd.exe in the Open: field and click OK. This will open a window with a black background. The command prompt will appear, looking something like:
C:\Documents and settings\Your profile name>_ Here is where you can type the Ping command, here is an example:
ping www.bbc.co.uk followed by the Enter key.
A report similar to this will be returned:
Pinging bbc.co.uk [212.58.224.81] with 32 bytes of data:
Round trip time to 212.58.224.81: 101 ms:
Round trip time to 212.58.224.81: 101 ms:
Round trip time to 212.58.224.81: 104 ms:
Round trip time to 212.58.224.81: 106 ms:
Ping statistics for 212.58.224.81:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milliseconds:
Minimum = 19ms, Maximum = 23ms, Average = 20ms
In this example, there was no packet loss, all were transmitted and retrieved successfully.
Note: To obtain a Command prompt in Windows 98/ME, you would type Command in the Run dialog box.
If packets were lost, a common solution is:
MTU (Maximum Transmittable Unit) Optimisation
One way to help your broadband connection would be to optimise your MTU settings. This will prevent data fragmentation which can be a factor in slow broadband connections.
As MTU Optimisation involves a 'registry edit', and will differ greatly between operating systems, it would not be practical to provide a walk through on these pages. However, an internet search for 'change MTU' followed by the name of your operating system manufacturer, will lead you to an appropriate guide.
The free Desktop Help tool identifies problems with your broadband, email or wi-fi connection and provides suggestions on quick fixes.
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