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In network communication, the smooth transmission of data packets is the foundation for ensuring a seamless user experience.
However, in practical use, network packet loss often occurs, which not only affects the speed and quality of data transmission but also may degrade the online service experience, such as video stuttering and intermittent voice calls.

The most common causes of network packet loss include oxidized RJ-45 connectors, damaged network adapters, network cable loops, and excessive optical attenuation.

When there is a network issue, the first step is to use the ping command to test for packet loss. Those who have used it know that you can use the command: ping -t 192.168.16.1 or ping 192.168.16.1.

However, the causes of packet loss are actually numerous, and locating the problem can be challenging for newcomers. Today, I will share some common packet loss scenarios and solutions, hoping to help you stay calm when encountering packet loss.

Sharing Some Network Fault Handling Cases

For example, what should you do when the above faults occur?

01 What is Network Packet Loss?

Network packet loss refers to the phenomenon where data packets fail to reach their destination due to various reasons during network transmission. Data packets are the basic units of internet communication, each containing a certain amount of information data and necessary control information.

When data packets are transmitted over the network, they may be lost due to network congestion, device failure, or other reasons, which directly affects the integrity of data transmission and service quality.

01 Influencing Factors

• Hardware Failure: Such as aging or damaged network devices.
• Software Issues: For example, driver errors or improper configuration.
• Network Congestion: Insufficient bandwidth or server overload.
• Wireless Signal Interference: Wireless signals interfered by other electronic devices.
• Malicious Attacks: Such as DDoS attacks causing network paralysis.

02 Typical Fault Phenomena and Solutions

01 Network Data Packets Sent Intermittently, with Severe Packet Loss

During network communication, data packets are sometimes successfully sent and sometimes lost, leading to unstable network connections.

Troubleshooting and Solutions:

• Check Network Devices: Log in to the management interface of the router or switch, check the device status and logs, and ensure there are no fault alarms.
• Update Firmware and Drivers: Ensure the network device’s firmware is the latest version, and the drivers are also up-to-date.
• Check Physical Connections: Ensure all network cables and connectors are secure and reliable; replace network cables or fiber jumpers if necessary.
• Optimize Network Configuration: Adjust the configuration of the router/switch, such as enabling QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize critical business traffic.
• Check Network Congestion: Use network monitoring tools to check network traffic and avoid packet loss caused by network congestion.

02 Severe Timeout Phenomena in Sending Network Data Packets, with Irregular Packet Loss

Data packets take a long time to send without a response or exhibit random packet loss.

Troubleshooting and Solutions:

• Use Ping Command to Detect Packet Loss and Response Time: Use the command-line tool to ping the target address and observe the packet loss rate and average response time.
• Run Traceroute/Tracert Command to Trace Packet Path: Use Traceroute or Tracert to trace the packet transmission path and identify potential bottlenecks.
• Check for Malware or Viruses: Run antivirus software to scan the system and ensure no malware or viruses are affecting network performance.
• Contact ISP for Network Status: If the packet loss issue persists, contact the ISP to inquire about any network faults or ongoing maintenance.

03 Severe Delay Phenomena in Network Data Packets, Affecting Normal Use of Downloading and Browsing Services

Significant delays occur during packet transmission, affecting the normal operation of file downloads, web browsing, and other services.

Troubleshooting and Solutions:

• Use MTR Tool to Monitor Network Delay Changes: Run the MTR tool to continuously monitor network delays and identify abnormal nodes.
• Check Local Network Settings: Ensure the DNS server address is correct and try changing the DNS server to improve latency.
• Change ISP or Network Service Plan: If the delay issue is due to poor line quality provided by the ISP, consider changing the service provider or upgrading the network service plan.
• Optimize Wireless Network: If it’s a wireless network, check for interference from other devices and try changing the Wi-Fi channel or using the 5GHz band.

03 Detection and Diagnosis of Network Packet Loss

01 Detection Methods

• Ping Test: Send ICMP Echo Request (ping) to check connectivity with the target host. If the number of received responses is less than the number sent, it indicates packet loss.
• Traceroute/Tracert: Used to trace the path packets take from the source host to the destination host. Helps identify problematic nodes along the path.
• Specialized Network Tools: Such as Wireshark, which can capture and analyze network traffic to view packet loss situations.
• Real-time Monitoring Systems: Deploy dedicated monitoring tools to continuously monitor network performance and promptly detect packet loss issues.

02 Diagnostic Tools

• MTR: Combines the functions of Ping and Traceroute, showing the average response time and packet loss rate for each hop.
• Packet Loss Simulator (PLS): Simulates network packet loss environments to test application performance under different packet loss rates.
• SNMP: Collects status information from network devices using the SNMP protocol, including packet loss statistics.

03 Troubleshooting Steps

• Check Physical Connections: Ensure all cables and connectors are secure and reliable.
• View Device Status: Log in to the management interface of routers, switches, and other network devices to check device logs and status information.
• Optimize Network Configuration: Adjust QoS (Quality of Service) strategies to allocate bandwidth resources reasonably.
• Upgrade Hardware: Replace old network devices to improve network stability.
• Contact ISP: If the issue is with the ISP’s line, contact them promptly for a solution.