Hey everyone! I'm having some trouble with ping spikes and packet loss lately. I've tested things on two gaming PCs, and both should be good to go for online play. I contacted tech support last night, but they didn't help much. Speed and ping tests seem fine, but as soon as I download or jump into an online game, the issues start hitting. I've tried the usual fixes like rebooting and hardwiring, but nothing's worked. It all used to be fine until, out of nowhere, everything went haywire. I read somewhere that routers can degrade over time, and seeing as mine is a couple of years old, maybe that's the issue? I'm pretty frustrated right now! If anyone has any insights or recommendations for new routers, especially since I'm with Xfinity, I'd really appreciate it!
4 Answers
From what you've said, it sounds like the router might be struggling under load, especially if you are using an inexpensive one. Routers can last over a decade, but they do fail. Have you checked if other devices on the network are also experiencing issues? That could help you isolate the problem. Also, sometimes updated drivers can cause unexpected issues, so it’s worth checking that.
It might be worth checking if the problem is on your ISP’s side before replacing the router. Sometimes the connection slows down without any issues showing up on tests. If the router's a few years old, getting a new one could definitely help, especially if your internet issues have lingered for weeks or months. Definitely reach out to your ISP first, though!
I actually called tech support from my ISP, and they weren’t much help either. So, I guess I’ll have to dig a bit deeper!
Have you tried bypassing the router completely? Connect a computer directly to the modem and run your tests there. If the issues persist, it could indicate a problem with your ISP. Also, if you can, try borrowing a different router to see if your problems continue. Don't forget to check if there's a firmware update available for your router; that might help too!
I realized that my router is a combo modem/router so I can't just swap it out easily. I think I’ll definitely check for firmware updates though!
Depending on your internet speed, a high ping during downloads can actually be normal, but it might also indicate that your router is experiencing buffer bloat issues. Keep an eye on your usage when downloading or gaming to see if those spikes align with anything specific.
My download speed is 300 Mbps and hasn’t been an issue for years. I’m really puzzled here!
The router was given to us, so not sure if the modem's also part of the issue. All my drivers are updated though!