Packet Loss Fix

Wi-Fi, modem, or ISP? The fix is different for each. Find out which.

Packet loss has four common sources: Wi-Fi (radio interference), your modem (hardware failing), your ISP (congestion or bad routing), or far upstream (rare). The diagnosis splits these so you fix the right thing.

Generic packet loss advice usually doesn't help because it doesn't know where the loss is. Restart-the-modem fixes modem loss but doesn't touch Wi-Fi loss.

What this measures

  • Total packet loss to the Signalyzr probe
  • Loss pattern: bursty (clumps) vs uniform (spread out)
  • Wi-Fi-only test vs cellular-only test (when both available) to localize

How it works

  1. Measure packet loss on the current connection
  2. If on Wi-Fi: try wired or hotspot to confirm Wi-Fi-side
  3. Pattern analysis: bursty = Wi-Fi or microwave; uniform = ISP
  4. Verdict + targeted fix

Why this matters

Packet loss is the #1 cause of 'calls keep freezing' complaints in India. It's invisible to ordinary speed tests. Signalyzr surfaces it as a number — and that number is what your ISP must take seriously when you complain.

Top fixes

  • Wi-Fi loss: change channel (use Wi-Fi analyzer apps to find clean channel)
  • Wi-Fi loss: switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz band — much lower interference
  • Persistent Wi-Fi loss: relocate router away from microwave / cordless phone
  • Modem loss: factory reset, then if persistent, ask ISP for replacement
  • ISP loss: complaint with the % number we give — vague complaints get ignored, specific ones get fixed

FAQs

Why does my Wi-Fi have packet loss but ethernet doesn't?

Wi-Fi is radio — every microwave, neighbour AP, and Bluetooth device can knock packets off. Ethernet is wire — much less prone to interference. If loss disappears on ethernet, fix Wi-Fi via channel change or 5 GHz.

Will replacing my router fix packet loss?

Only if the router is faulty (rare) or stuck on an old standard. More often the fix is Wi-Fi channel selection or placement. Try those first.

What loss % do ISPs consider acceptable?

ISPs typically consider <1% acceptable. But >0.5% already breaks voice calls noticeably. If your ISP refuses to act on 0.7% loss, escalate to their tech team and reference this number explicitly.

Can VPN cause packet loss?

Yes — bad VPN exit nodes drop packets just like bad ISP routing. Disable VPN temporarily to compare. If loss disappears without VPN, switch VPN provider or exit node.

Diagnose packet loss →

Related

Signalyzr is a free, privacy-first network diagnostic tool made in India. Loading the diagnostic app…