Reliability
Packet Loss Monitor: Continuous Network Reliability Tracking
Our packet loss monitor runs continuous tracking to identify intermittent packet drops that brief tests miss. Intermittent packet loss is one of the hardest network problems to diagnose, and sustained monitoring is the only reliable way to catch it.
Launch in Mission ControlWhat It Measures
The monitor tracks packet loss percentage over a sustained period, logging every dropped packet and the timestamp when it occurred. It identifies whether packet loss is consistent (hardware problem) or intermittent (congestion or ISP issue).
How It Works
- Sends continuous ping probes at regular intervals
- Logs every successful response and every timeout
- Calculates rolling packet loss percentage over 1-minute windows
- Displays a real-time chart of packet loss over the monitoring session
Why It Matters
A one-time packet loss test that shows 0% may miss intermittent drops that occur randomly. Continuous monitoring over 5 to 10 minutes catches the type of packet loss that causes your video calls to suddenly freeze or your game to disconnect.
Understanding Your Results
0% packet loss throughout the monitoring period is ideal. Occasional single drops (under 0.1% over 5 minutes) are acceptable. Repeated packet loss bursts indicate a connection problem requiring attention. Any loss exceeding 1% over a 1-minute window is significant.
Ready to test?
Run Packet Loss Monitor Now →Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I run the packet loss monitor?
Run it for at least 5 to 10 minutes to catch intermittent issues. If you suspect a time-based problem (like congestion during peak hours), run it for 30 minutes during the period when you notice problems.
What is intermittent packet loss?
Intermittent packet loss comes and goes rather than occurring constantly. It is often caused by WiFi interference, a failing cable modem, ISP congestion during peak hours, or a bad coax cable connector. It is harder to diagnose than consistent packet loss.
How is this different from the packet loss test?
The packet loss test runs once and gives a snapshot result. The packet loss monitor runs continuously, showing patterns over time. The monitor reveals whether your loss is random, bursty, or consistent, which helps identify the cause.
Can I run the monitor in the background?
Yes. Keep the Mission Control tab open and the monitor will continue running. The results panel updates in real time. For long monitoring sessions, make sure your screen does not turn off and close any other tabs that might compete for resources.
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