When providing fiber broadband access services, we frequently receive questions about packet loss rates. Here, Fangyuan Information explains what network packet loss means and what causes it. Packet loss occurs when some data packets are lost during transmission. The packet loss rate is the proportion of transmitted packets that are lost. Common causes and troubleshooting considerations include: 1. Some customers report high packet loss rates when using ping, but the test destination can lead to misleading results. Many users ping addresses such as 202.96.209.133 (a China Telecom DNS server). Pinging the default gateway provides a more accurate indication of connection quality by excluding factors associated with the remote server. 2. The duplex modes may not match between the transceiver’s electrical port and the network equipment interface, or between the interfaces at either end of the connection. 3. The twisted-pair cable or RJ-45 connectors may be faulty and should be tested. 4. There may be issues with the fiber connection. Check whether patch cords are correctly aligned with the equipment interfaces and whether the pigtails, patch cords, and couplers are of compatible types. 5. Fiber connectors may be loose, or there may be power supply issues. If you experience packet loss on a fiber connection, a successful ping alone does not establish that the network is operating normally. Have a qualified network technician inspect and test the connection.
