VPNs have integrated the internet. Even issues such as throttling and packet loss are not foreign to this tool. Hence, many users question whether a VPN can fix advanced networking problems, such as packet loss. To them, our answer is a simple yes. Loss of data packets is a technical phenomenon that doesn’t need demystification. Since they travel hundreds of miles over a virtual cable, a significant data loss gets accounted for.
However, the issue is that such loss can inadvertently affect performance. Not only of the internet but also your network and corresponding devices. Hence, readers find themselves asking, “Can a VPN truly fix packet loss since that will surely improve connectivity and communication?” Today’s article will aim to address the severe issue. We also explore the concept of data packets and the reasons behind them. Let’s start without further ado.
What is a data packet?
A data packet is a unit of data that travels along a given network path. Such packets get used in IP transmission for data that navigate the internet and other public or private networks. Although, it has other parts besides the raw data it carries. We refer to such parts as the payload. A typical data packet structure consists of a header and a payload. Here, the header carries specific metadata. It also includes the routing information, such as the routing methods and relays. Thus, a data packet has a header that contains the IP address of origin and destination.
Many organizations try to control and provide a standard for the data packet that travels the internet. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) put together the famous OSI (Open System Interconnection) model. It is this model that identifies certain data packet layers and maintains standards for each. The OSI model has laid the groundwork for the modern implementation and use of data packets in diverse network scenarios.
A data packet or the datagram is the basic unit of communication over any digital network. It has many names such as segment, block, cell, or frame, depending on the protocol used for transmission. Hence, the structure of the packet depends on the type of data and protocol involved. The header keeps overhead information about the packet, service, and other transmission-related data. For example, the data packet that travels the internet requires breaking down into IP packets defined by the IP (Internet Protocol). Thus, an IP packet includes:
- Source IP address
- Destination IP address
- Sequence number of packets
- Type of service
- Other technical data
- Payload
What is packet loss?
Any anomaly and inconsistency in the network can cause data packets to get lost, delayed, or dropped in transition. Hence, every time a packet fails to reach the destination is a phenomenon we call packet loss. Practical observation of packet loss in real-time is the infamous lagging. It happens when the network is congested and the packets arrive late. In any network environment, data is transferred in small units. This applies to anything you do over the internet: emailing, streaming videos, uploading or downloading, gaming, etc. All activities depend on this transmission of data packets. Therefore, a loss in packets can affect the internet as a whole.
We already explained what packet loss is, but not the severity. It differs and depends on the number of packets lost and can thus be high or low. The process starts with the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) that divides the files into efficiently sized packets. Afterward, each packet gets separately numbered and marked with the destination IP address. These packets may all travel separately using different routes from one other. Hence, some may get delayed and others lost. But once these packets reach the destination, they get restored by the TCP. However, owing to the loss of packets, the original service might get affected.
Causes of lost packets
Here are the reasons behind packet loss:
- Network congestion — One of the most common reasons for packet loss is congestion of networks. A network that handles more traffic than its capabilities will get crowded sooner or later. Hence, packets traveling through such a network would experience a delay. Also, severe congestion can lead to packet loss as the data packets get dropped after a few minutes of not reaching the target destination.
- Hardware problems — Hardware becomes obsolete fast. It is another component that reflects the issues plaguing a network. Thus, old and glitchy hardware can weaken the network and result in packet loss. Outdated products like firewalls, routers, switches (and so on) consume a lot of power and deplete the network signal resulting in loss of packets.
- Software bugs — This is similar to faulty hardware because its representatives do not function alone. The hardware usually relies on corresponding software. Hence, defective software can also lead to concerns. Bugs and glitches in software can weaken network connections and cause packet loss.
- Device overload — A network can experience more traffic than it was meant to handle. It is a result of misjudgment. Thus, it has to operate at a higher capacity than required. This can result in a weaker network signal, as it has to drop packets to retain functionality.
- Wi-Fi v/s wired connection — Data traveling over a wireless network produces a higher packet loss than its wired counterpart. Radiofrequency interference, weaker signals, distance, and physical barriers like walls can cause wireless networks to drop packets.
- Security threats — A security breach is often a legitimate cause behind a packet loss. Cybercriminals hack into your network and instruct it to lose packets. Or they can launch various attacks like a DDoS to overload the network and completely shut it down.
Can a VPN fix packet loss?
By routing your data through a VPN network instead of your ISP (Internet Service Provider), there is a lower chance of packet loss. To clarify, by relying on a VPN, you can to a certain extent reduce packet loss. But sadly, it is not the optimal solution, and you should use it in combination with the tips below. It’s relatively easy to prevent packet losses:
- Check your connection — First, inspect your internet connections, since that’s the basic thing we tend to ignore. To clarify, make sure your cables and ports are plugged in correctly and, if needed, ask your ISP to do a signal strength inspection.
- Restart your device — Restarting your hardware can clear temporary caches. It can also alleviate some minor bugs and glitches or make the network admin aware of prevailing issues.
- Ditch Wi-Fi in favor of wired connections — Wireless connections leads to a higher loss of packets. Use a wired Ethernet connection, possibly an optics fiber wire, for the best experience. Otherwise, with Wi-Fi, packet loss will always be significant.
- Stay away from static-causing equipment — Any device capable of causing static should be shunned to prevent data packet loss. Electronics such as cameras, Bluetooth, wireless speakers, and so on should be kept away. Also, try to use fewer firewalls as they consume a high amount of bandwidth. Always run a single firewall to maximize efficiency.
- Up-to-date software — Keep relevant software up to date. Old and glitchy software can affect network strength.
- Replace hardware at appropriate intervals — Hardware can get obsolete fast. Try to keep your network devices up to the mark and practice recycling. Also, try to replace hardware at appropriate intervals to reduce the chance of data packet loss.
- Use QoS settings — Quality of Service (QoS) settings help you manage packet loss by triaging your network resources accordingly. This is especially important if your network transmits resource-intensive data like streamed content, online games, video calls, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). QoS settings will devote more network traffic to places that need it.