Packet Loss: Difference between revisions

 

We can also set up a separate ICMP ping graph to the WAN address, and then therefor compare the results for more information.

 

==So packet loss is normal. It is what happens when a link is full.==

 

However, there is another scenario where you can get packet loss, and this is where there is a fault. In the case of a fault you will find some packets are dropped at random. What usually happens is some of the data in the packet is corrupted (changed) by random noise or errors from the fault, and this means that the packet no longer checks out when it gets to the other end. Packets have built in checks to confirm nothing was changed, and if that check fails the packet is dropped.

 

==The effect of fault based packet loss depends on the protocol.==

 

This means that even low levels of random packet loss can massively slow down a data transfers.

 

==Packet loss when a link is otherwise idle is a fault.==

 

...even if only 1% (one red dot at the top is 1%)

 

==2% loss is not like 98% working speed==