I've been experiencing internet connection issues for about seven weeks now, which has really affected my ability to play competitive video games. I mainly play a few games, but two of them have been showing packet loss and other connection problems, while the third feels laggy even without error indicators. These issues seemed to start around the same time. I've been with Bell ISP for many years without a hitch, but after they couldn't resolve the problem—despite trying a new router and tweaking settings—I switched to Rogers, and unfortunately, the problems continued.
I'm now on my third router with my second ISP and have even swapped out both ethernet cables, testing wifi as well, but the issues persist. Technicians from both ISPs have checked everything in my home and insist that since I have some level of connection, the problems have to be outside my home. I'm facing issues on both my console and PC, and I'm struggling to pinpoint the problem. Both ISPs claim everything is fine on their end, and I'm reaching a point where I might need to consider moving to a new place, as gaming is a big part of my free time, and the current state is too frustrating. If anyone has suggestions on what I could do to regain my internet performance, I'd really appreciate it!
5 Answers
Try connecting your gaming system directly to the router without any other devices in between. If you still have problems, it might be an issue with your devices instead of the ISPs. After all, having two ISPs give you problems is rare but doesn't completely rule out your setup.
I used to have packet loss issues too, and my ISP claimed everything was fine until I insisted they check outside lines. They eventually found interference issues after some back and forth. Maybe it's worth pushing for another line check?
I asked the techs about checking the outside lines, but they refused, saying that if there's any connection at all, then they shouldn't be damaged. It's been frustrating.
Sounds frustrating! Since you've switched ISPs and routers, maybe it's not them. Have you tried testing your setup at a friend's place? If not, that could help rule out your system. And hey, I get that gaming is important, but maybe pick up a new hobby too, just to deal with the stress when things go wrong?
Haha, that crashout comment was a joke, but I have been on the phone a lot trying to solve this. I actually did take my console to a family member's house and didn't have any issues there.
Based on your setup, it sounds like an interference issue, possibly from cables running too close to power lines or using unshielded ethernet cables. Have you checked if your cables are alright and if they haven’t moved locations or anything?
I haven't changed locations for anything, including the modem, in years. Just a regular 10-foot cable run. I don't think the cables are shielded, but I tried two different ones in the past.
If you're not super technical, try an app like PingTest if you have an Android phone; it's user-friendly. Just make sure to test right before you game, so you’ll have a clear picture of your connection quality.
Yeah, I’ve plugged both console and PC directly into the modem. That’s how I’m set up, and I’m seeing speeds close to what I pay for, around 900mbps. Using pingplotter shows some bad pings, especially around the 8th hop, but I’m not sure how to interpret that.