Packet Loss Test™
Test your internet connection’s packet loss, latency, and jitter using advanced HTTP timing analysis
Result Interpretation
- Packet Loss: Percentage of requests that failed to complete
- Latency: Time taken for requests to complete (round-trip time)
- Jitter: Variation in latency between requests
About This Packet Loss Test By Internethealthtest.org
This tool uses HTTP request timing analysis to measure your internet connection’s reliability and performance. While traditional speed tests measure raw bandwidth, this test focuses on packet loss, latency, and jitter which are crucial for real-time applications.
What this test measures:
- Packet Loss: Failed requests that indicate network reliability issues
- Latency: Round-trip time for requests to complete
- Jitter: Variation in latency that affects real-time applications
Who should use this test:
- Gamers experiencing lag or connection issues
- Users of VoIP or video calling applications
- Anyone troubleshooting network reliability problems
- Network administrators monitoring connection quality
You know that sinking feeling when you’re in the middle of an important video call and suddenly your audio cuts out? Or when you’re about to win a game and everything freezes? Welcome to the world of packet loss – the most annoying network problem you’ve probably never heard of.
Having fast internet doesn’t automatically mean you have good internet. I’ve seen people with gigabit connections struggling with basic Zoom calls because their network was dropping packets left and right. Meanwhile, someone with a modest 50 Mbps connection but zero packet loss cruises through meetings without a hitch.
That’s exactly why we built this free packet loss testing tool. Unlike those flashy speed tests that only care about how fast you can download a movie, our tool digs into what really matters – whether your data actually makes it where it’s supposed to go.
What Is Packet Loss and Why Should You Care?
Packet loss occurs when data packets traveling across a network never reach their destination. In simpler terms, information gets lost somewhere between your device and the server. Even a small percentage of loss can significantly degrade user experience, especially in real-time applications.
Applications Most Affected by Packet Loss:
- VoIP calls (Zoom, Teams, Skype)
- Online gaming (FPS games, MMORPGs)
- Live streaming (Netflix, YouTube, Twitch)
- Remote work tools (Cloud applications, file sharing)
- Video conferencing (Business meetings, online education)
Packet loss is measured as a percentage. For example, 1% packet loss means one out of every hundred packets fails to arrive. Though this may sound negligible, it can cause noticeable delays, audio dropouts, or video stuttering.
Understanding Packet Loss Quality Benchmarks
Our packet loss test tool provides instant quality assessments based on industry standards:
| Packet Loss Percentage | Quality Rating | User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 0% – 1% | Excellent | Seamless real-time applications |
| 1% – 2.5% | Good | Acceptable for most uses |
| 2.5% – 5% | Poor | Noticeable issues in VoIP/gaming |
| Over 5% | Critical | Severe disruptions likely |
Common Causes of Packet Loss
Understanding packet loss sources helps you choose the right troubleshooting approach:
1. Network Congestion
When networks are overloaded, routers drop packets to prioritize certain traffic. This commonly occurs during peak usage hours (evenings, weekends).
2. Hardware Limitations
- Outdated routers or modems
- Damaged Ethernet cables
- Faulty network interface cards
- Overheating network equipment
3. Wi-Fi Interference
Wireless connections are prone to interference from:
- Physical obstacles (walls, furniture)
- Electronic devices (microwaves, baby monitors)
- Competing wireless networks
- Distance from router
4. Software Configuration Issues
- Overly aggressive firewall settings
- Antivirus software blocking legitimate traffic
- Misconfigured Quality of Service (QoS) settings
- Outdated network drivers
5. Internet Service Provider (ISP) Problems
Sometimes the issue lies upstream with your ISP’s infrastructure, routing problems, or bandwidth throttling.
How Our Free Packet Loss Test Tool Works
Our advanced browser-based packet loss testing tool uses sophisticated HTTP timing analysis to measure network reliability without requiring any downloads or installations.
Real-Time Testing
- Sends multiple HTTP requests to measure success/failure rates
- Provides live visualization of each packet’s status
- Displays results in easy-to-understand metrics
Comprehensive Measurements
- Packet Loss Percentage: Failed requests indicating network reliability
- Latency Analysis: Average, minimum, and maximum response times
- Jitter Calculation: Variation in response times affecting real-time apps
- Connection Quality: Overall network reliability assessment
Customizable Test Parameters
- Ping Count: 25, 50, 100, or 149 tests for varying thoroughness
- Test Intervals: 50ms to 500ms between requests
- Timeout Settings: 2 to 10 seconds for different network conditions
- Server Selection: Multiple global test servers for accurate results
Professional Visualization
- Interactive ping grid showing real-time results
- Color-coded success/failure indicators
- Progress tracking with detailed logging
- Quality ratings with actionable insights
How to Use the Packet Loss Test Tool
Step 1: Configure Test Settings
- Select Test Server: Choose from global CDN endpoints
- Set Ping Count: Start with 50 pings for standard testing
- Choose Interval: Use 100ms for balanced testing
- Set Timeout: 5 seconds works for most connections
Step 2: Run the Test
- Click “Start Packet Loss Test”
- Watch real-time visualization as packets are sent
- Monitor the progress bar and live logging
- Wait for test completion (typically 30-60 seconds)
Step 3: Analyze Results
- Packet Loss: Should be under 1% for optimal performance
- Average Latency: Under 50ms is excellent, under 150ms is acceptable
- Jitter: Under 10ms is excellent, under 30ms is good
- Quality Indicators: Review color-coded assessments
Packet Loss vs. Other Network Metrics
| Metric | What It Measures | Impact on Experience | Our Tool Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packet Loss | Percentage of packets that never arrive | Lag, choppy audio/video, disconnections | ✅ Yes |
| Latency | Delay between sending and receiving data | Slow response times, gaming lag | ✅ Yes |
| Jitter | Variability in latency | Inconsistent audio/video quality | ✅ Yes |
| Bandwidth | Maximum data transfer rate | Speed of downloads and uploads | ❌ No (use speed tests) |
Why packet loss testing matters more than speed tests: While bandwidth gets attention, packet loss and jitter are often the real culprits behind call and game disruptions.
How to Fix Packet Loss Issues
Once you detect packet loss with our tool, use these proven strategies:
1. Check Hardware Infrastructure
- Replace aging Ethernet cables (use Cat6 or better)
- Update router firmware to latest version
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating
- Test with different network cables
2. Optimize Connection Type
- Switch to Wired: Ethernet connections are more stable than Wi-Fi
- Improve Wi-Fi: Move closer to router, change wireless channel
- Update Drivers: Ensure network adapter drivers are current
3. Configure Quality of Service (QoS)
- Prioritize critical traffic (VoIP, gaming, video calls)
- Limit bandwidth for non-essential applications
- Enable gaming mode on compatible routers
4. Contact Your Internet Service Provider
- Share packet loss test results with technical support
- Request line quality checks
- Consider upgrading service plan if needed
5. Advanced Solutions
- Try Different DNS: Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
- VPN Testing: Sometimes rerouting traffic helps bypass problem nodes
- Router Replacement: Upgrade to modern router with better QoS features