Share this article
Improve this guide
Comcast Packet Loss: How to Check and Fix It? [Tested Methods]
Packet loss is easily fixed if you follow our guide thoroughly
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Packet lossis a naturally occurring phenomenon in networking and happens whenever one or more data packets never make it to their destination.
As a result, the server throws a desync your way and might affect your overall online experience more or less, depending on its severity.
The bad thing about packet loss is that there are a lot of potential factors that could cause it.
Ranging from having old Ethernet cables and network congestion to outdated network adapter drivers, everything can play a role in packet loss occurrence.
World-class 24/7 support with 83% for a 3 years plan and 3 months free.
Amazing connection speed with 35% off and 3 months free for the 1-year plan.
Best security protocols with 83% off and 2 months free for a 2-year plan.
What causes Comcast packet loss?
Although leaking packets can happen for a lot of reasons, there’s one cause that outweighs them all:network congestion. The good news is that, if that’s the case, you don’t need to do anything about it, since it fixes itself after a while.
But that’s also the bad news; sometimes you might not be able to just wait it out.
In many areas,Comcastis the only high-speed Internet provider and is preferred by many when signing up for an Internet subscription plan.
That’s why you might experience packet loss during peak hours, and why the situation slowly fixes itself after a while.
Servers are generally designed to be able to stand some heat. But even a server that runs at half capacity (50 out of 100 maximum connections, for instance) can leak packets if bandwidth consumption is high.
That’s why oftentimes ISPs throttle bandwidth, to cut some costs and so that their servers can accommodate more users at the expense of speed.
You can use a VPN such asExpressVPNto improve packet loss or perform some manual troubleshooting on your network.
How to check packet loss with Comcast?
1. Using Windows’ built-in tools
2. Using the Speedtest by Ookla Windows app
To check packet loss in Comcast’s home Internet plan you can use one of our suggestions such as pathping orOokla’s packet loss testto run a packet loss test.
3. Use third-party websites
Although all of the tests above will give you accurate packet loss test results, only the manual test (using pathping) will also show you the hops and each of their packet loss values.
It might not seem important at first, but you can’t locate a packet leak on your connection without knowing which hop is, in fact, leaking packets.
How to fix Comcast packet loss?
1. Use a VPN that solves network congestion
ExpressVPN is a great all-around VPN from Kape Technologies. It can quickly take care of packet loss and high ping issues, but there’s a catch.
In order for this quick fix to work, the issue must be on your ISP’s side. ExpressVPN comes in handy with its OpenVPN protocol for streaming, and the Media Streamer for devices that are not natively adapted to install a VPN.
In this case, if you’re sure that your packet loss is caused byComcastand it’s not because you have outdated equipment or outdated drivers, go ahead and give it a try.
However, that’s not the only thing a trustworthy VPN can achieve. It can also give you a much-needed boost of privacy, secure your connection, and evencircumvent any geo-restrictions.
If you want to learn more about reliable VPN options, check our overview for thebest VPNs to improve packet loss.
ExpressVPN
2. Perform some manual troubleshooting
Comcast packet loss can be fixed
All in all, if you experience intermittent packet loss withComcast, it’s probably caused by network congestion. Notice if there’s a certain timeframe when the packet loss occurs, and run a test to zero in on this factor.
This issue happens to users of Comcast’s subsidiary Internet Service Provider as well.
To sum it up, you can use aVPN to improve packet loss, but only if the issue occurs on your ISP’s side.
However, you must make sure that the issue is not on your side by manually troubleshooting your side of the connection, piece by piece.
How did you manage to resolve packet loss in Comcast? Leave us a comment in the area below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues,packet loss,VPN
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Vlad Constantinescu
