Despite seemingly adequate results from speed tests, issues with internet connectivity can persist, particularly during activities like video calls and cloud backups. Users often encounter lag and disconnections, which speed tests alone cannot reveal. These tests measure the speed of data transfer between devices and servers under ideal conditions, but do not account for real-world usage scenarios.
The crux of the problem lies in packet loss, which can disrupt the flow of data packets essential for continuous streaming and communication. When data packets are lost, delayed, or arrive out of sequence, the functionality of applications like video conferencing and file transfers suffers. For example, video quality may degrade as software attempts to compensate for lost packets, often resulting in stuttering calls.
Understanding the significance of packet loss is crucial for diagnosing connectivity issues. While speed tests provide a snapshot of potential internet performance, they fail to reflect the complexities of everyday usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring beyond simple speed metrics.