If you're experiencing delays, stutters, or "rubberbanding" in a multiplayer game despite having a fast internet connection, you may be dealing with packet loss.

You might also have noticed a warning symbol indicating packet loss in the corner of your screen if you've enabled in-game network statistics.

In this article, we’ll explore what packet loss is and isn’t, and provide some straightforward solutions. We’ll also explain why, in some cases, packet loss can’t be fixed on your own.

What Is Packet Loss?

Before we define packet loss, let’s first understand what lag is.

Ping measures latency. As you play online games, your computer constantly sends and receives data packets to and from the game server. The time it takes for a packet to travel from your device to the server and back is your ping. A low ping (e.g., 15ms) means quick data exchanges and a smooth experience. A high ping (e.g., 300ms) results in slower communication and noticeable lag.

When you experience lag in a multiplayer game, you may see delayed responses to your actions and outdated game states. This can lead to issues like rubberbanding (characters moving backward after moving forward) or delayed hit registration (bullets appearing after they’ve been fired).

The effects of lag can vary depending on the game and its implementation of lag compensation and prediction techniques.

So far, we’ve discussed high latency as a cause of lag. However, another issue—packet loss—can also cause sudden spikes in lag.

Packet loss occurs when some data packets fail to reach their destination between your computer and the game server. Instead of just taking longer to arrive, these packets are completely lost. This forces the system to re-send them, which can lead to lag.

While upgrading to a faster internet connection can often fix lag, packet loss can still occur even with a high-speed connection.

Common causes of packet loss include:

• A faulty Ethernet port or cable.
• Issues with your computer’s network interface controller (NIC).
• Outdated router firmware.
• Network congestion.
• Problems with the game’s servers.

Before troubleshooting your connection, it’s a good idea to check if there are known server-side issues for the game you're playing. Sometimes, the problem is on the server side and can’t be fixed by the player.

Quick Fixes for Packet Loss

1. Close unnecessary applications: Background programs that use bandwidth—such as downloads, app updates, or streaming tabs—can increase network congestion. Close them to see if it helps.

2. Power cycle your router: Turn your router off and on again. This is a common and effective solution for many network issues.

3. Try a different Ethernet port or cable: If you're using a wired connection, try plugging into a different port on your router. If you have a spare cable, swap it out. Older or damaged cables can cause packet loss.

4. Switch to a wired connection: If you're using Wi-Fi, consider switching to an Ethernet connection for better stability and lower latency.

5. Avoid network congestion: If others in your household are using streaming services, making calls, or playing games, your network may be overloaded. Try playing during off-peak hours or adjusting your router setup.

Router Settings for Better Performance

You can access your router’s settings by entering its IP address into your web browser. This information is usually found in your router’s manual, quick start guide, or on the router itself. The password is typically in the same place.

If you can’t find the default address and password, check the manufacturer’s support page for your router model.

Once you’re in the router settings, look for an option to update the firmware. Outdated firmware can be a source of packet loss. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Another useful feature is Quality of Service (QoS). This allows you to prioritize real-time applications like gaming while deprioritizing less critical tasks like web browsing. You can usually find this under a “QoS” or “Prioritization” menu.

Some routers also offer dynamic QoS modes tailored for gaming. Others may require you to manually set bandwidth limits for different devices. Test the impact of QoS in-game with network statistics enabled to see if it improves your experience.

Hardware Upgrades for Better Performance

If router settings don’t resolve the issue, consider upgrading your hardware. If you're using Wi-Fi, a system with Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 can provide excellent stability and efficient bandwidth sharing.

The Intel® Killer™ Prioritization Engine detects and prioritizes gaming, video, and real-time voice/data packets, delivering a smoother experience. Wi-Fi 6 routers also support OFDMA, which intelligently manages network resources rather than forcing users to compete for bandwidth. Many Wi-Fi 6 routers show low packet loss even under heavy network conditions, as seen in reviews from PC Gamer.

For users looking to minimize packet loss in the future, Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 devices are a great option.

How to Test for Packet Loss

The most useful tool is in-game network statistics, which can often be found in the game’s settings. For example, in PUBG, they’re under the “Gameplay” section. These stats can help you detect packet loss quickly.

However, testing your internet connection can be faster using the Command Prompt in Windows:

1. Press the Windows key and type “cmd” to open the command prompt.
2. Type ping -n 50 [www.cloudflare.com ](https://www.cloudflare.com ) and press Enter. This will send 50 pings to Cloudflare’s server and report the results.
3. You can change the number after -n to perform a different number of pings or test other websites like [www.google.com ](https://www.google.com ).
4. Analyze the results for packet loss.

If the issue is limited to one game or specific application, a ping test may not show anything useful. For more detailed information, you can use tools like traceroute or pathping, which can show each step of a packet’s journey and highlight potential points of failure.

Another option is to use a network monitoring tool like Pingplotter, which tracks the percentage of lost packets at each hop. This can help you identify whether the problem is between your PC and the router or between the router and the modem.

Can Packet Loss Always Be Fixed?

While packet loss can be frustrating, there are many potential solutions.

First, research the issue. Look for other players’ solutions to packet loss in the specific game you're playing. Determine if the issue is client-side or server-side. If it’s server-side, you may need to wait for a patch.

If the issue is client-side, try the following:

• Power cycling your router.
• Switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet.
• Changing Ethernet ports or cables.
• Updating your router’s firmware.
• Testing QoS and prioritization features.

Finally, if you're using Wi-Fi on a busy home network, upgrading to a system with Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 can significantly improve your gameplay experience.