Potential Sources of Packet Loss and Delay on an Internet Connection

1. Equipment problems with the cable/DSL modem or router including potentially over-heating equipment.

2. Undetectable bridge/switch or other networking hardware (i.e. hub) in front of the Destination IP device.

3. Congested Internet connection. In other words, too much traffic for the delivered speed. Please note that delivered speed may be different than the expected or promised speed.

4. Wiring outside or inside the building but before the device which responds to pings for the Destination IP. Quality of wiring is poor or deteriorated from weather, age, animals and other environmental factors.

5. Environmental interference from microwaves, wireless radios, refrigerators, etc too close to the wiring or cable/DSL modem or router.

If the Internet connection is a DSL circuit:

1. Other circuits, such as commonly used T1s, in the Local Exchange Carrier’s (LECs) cable bundle could be interfering with the DSL circuit’s frequency.

2. The DSL splitter, which divides the phone line from the DSL circuit, could be faulty.

3. The LEC could have load coils or bridge taps on the cable which is delivering the DSL circuit.

4. Other analog devices like fax machines or cordless phones have been attached to the phone line before the DSL splitter splits off the DSL circuit.

If the Internet connection is supplied by cable modem:

1. The coax cable passes through more than one splitter before the cable modem.

2. Cable modem attached to wrong port of the splitter.

3. The decibel level of the cable TV transmission is too low. The cable repairman will frequently check this first. Be advised that the decibel level can change throughout the day.

J. Waldrop
Copyright © 2010 HostMyCalls. All rights reserved.
Revised: 09/27/10