How to Deal With Packet Loss for VoIP

Packet loss on a VoIP phone line is similar to when a call on a cell phone begins to "break-up." Clip and phrases of words are dropped during the packet-transfer process, resulting in the person on the receiving end missing parts of the conversation.

Things You'll Need

• New Ethernet cable (if applicable)
• Traffic-shaping software

Instructions

1. Know when the packet loss occurs. If your packet loss is occurring while you are playing an online game, for example, it is likely the result of the game using much of the available bandwidth. Deal with this issue by logging off your game when you use your phone.

2. Check your Ethernet cable. Packet loss can be caused by an old or damaged Ethernet cable. If your cable is old or you find that it has some damaged spots, replace it with a new one.

3. Configure your Ethernet and router properly. Improper configuration also leads to packet loss on your phone line. Reconfigure them to "full duplex."

4. Conduct a bandwidth test on your computer. You don't have enough bandwidth for your VoIP phone if bandwidth is below 90 kbs. Call your service provider to see about getting a different phone package with more bandwidth.

5. Install traffic-shaping software. This software will give bandwidth priority to your VoIP line when in use. The result is less, if any, packet loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your VoIP service provider to help you deal with packet loss and pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.

• Most VoIP service providers offer a guarantee of a minimal percentage of packet loss, so if you are experiencing packet loss frequently, the provider will send you new equipment, usually free of charge.

• Make sure your packet loss isn't occurring during traditionally "peak" call times. If this is the case, there isn't much your VoIP service provider can do to help you deal with packet loss because the entire network is congested.

Resources

• Get help troubleshooting your packet loss at pingplotter.com.