Testing Latency & Packet Loss

This guide shows how to test:

• Latency (ping time) – how long data takes to travel and return
• Packet loss – whether any data fails to return at all

Both are important for diagnosing problems with:

• Video calls
• Voice calls (DigiVoice)
• Online gaming
• Slow or unstable connections

Before You Start (Important)

For the most accurate results:

• Use a wired (Ethernet) connection if possible
• Pause downloads, streaming, and updates
• Close unused apps and browser tabs

Wi-Fi can add extra delay or loss, so wired tests are preferred.

Step 1 – Quick Check (Speed Test)

Start with a normal speed test:

• Shows download speed, upload speed, and ping
• Quickly highlights major problems
• Easiest first step

See: How to Run an Accurate Speed Test

If your speed test looks fine but problems continue, run the test below.

Step 2 – Detailed Test (50-Packet Ping Test)

This test sends multiple packets and provides a clear summary of:

• Packet loss
• Minimum, average, and maximum ping time

This is the most useful test for diagnosing connection quality.

Windows

1. Press Windows Key + R
2. Type cmd and press Enter
3. Type: ping google.co.uk -n 50
4. Press Enter

This will:

• Send 50 test packets
• Show each reply
• Display a summary when finished

Mac (macOS)

1. Open Terminal
   (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
   
2. Type:
   
   • ping -c 50 google.co.uk
     
3. Press Enter

This will:

• Send 50 test packets
• Show each reply
• Display a summary when finished

How to Read the Results

Packet Loss

Look for the packet loss line:

• 0% loss = normal
• 1–2% loss = may affect calls or video
• Higher loss = likely to cause problems

Packet loss usually indicates a connection issue if testing while cabled in.

Ping Time (Latency)

Look at the minimum, average, and maximum times (ms):

• Under 50 ms = very good
• 50–100 ms = normal
• Over 100 ms = may cause lag
• Over 150 ms = likely to affect gaming or calls

Large differences between minimum and maximum suggest instability.

Why Use google.co.uk?

We use google.co.uk because:

• It is reliable
• It always responds
• It gives consistent results

Important to Understand

This test checks the connection to one address only.

It does not prove:

• All websites behave the same
• All services are working correctly

However:

• Packet loss here usually means a local or line issue
• High or unstable ping here usually reflects network problems

This makes it a useful baseline test.

Sending Results to Us

If asked to provide results:

• Run the test using Ethernet
• Copy or screenshot the final summary
• Send it to the Service Desk

Email: support@vfast.co.uk

Phone: 01227 688901 or 0330 324 9811

Related Articles

• How to Run an Accurate Speed Test
• Latency Explained
• Troubleshooting Slow Broadband Speeds