Addressing Persistent Network Packet Loss in a Specific Room: Troubleshooting and Solutions
Network reliability is essential for seamless online activities, especially when working from home. However, encountering persistent packet loss can be frustrating, particularly when it occurs in a single room while other parts of the residence remain unaffected. If you’re experiencing recurrent packet loss over both Ethernet and Wi-Fi in one specific room—despite an established mesh network setup—there are several factors and troubleshooting steps to consider.
Understanding the Issue
In this scenario, the problem began suddenly around May, disrupting an otherwise stable network environment. The packet loss is significant—reaching up to 98%—and occurs roughly every 15-20 minutes. All affected devices, including a PC connected via Ethernet and multiple wireless devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop), experience simultaneous drops, indicating a systemic issue within that particular location.
Network Setup Details
- The home employs an Amazon Eero Pro 6 mesh system, with an existing router and a dedicated extender in the problematic room.
- The PC uses a direct Ethernet connection to the local Eero device, while other devices connect via Wi-Fi.
- The other rooms, including a second bedroom and the living room, are functioning correctly with their respective extenders, suggesting the core mesh network is operational.
Troubleshooting Steps and Considerations
- Check for Physical Interference
- Electromagnetic Interference: Devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, or other wireless equipment can disrupt wireless signals. Ensure no such devices are active nearby during problematic periods.
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Structural Obstacles: Thick walls, metal fixtures, or large mirrored surfaces can degrade Wi-Fi signal strength. Consider whether recent modifications or renovations might have introduced new barriers.
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Examine Network Hardware
- Firmware Updates: Confirm that your Eero devices are running the latest firmware. Outdated firmware can cause performance issues.
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Hardware Health: Restart the affected Eero unit and perform a speed test or diagnostic check. If hardware issues are suspected, resetting the device or replacing it may be necessary.
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Analyze Signal Quality
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Use Wi-Fi analyzer tools to measure signal strength and identify potential dead zones. If the signal is weak or unstable in that room, repositioning the extender or adding additional access points could help.
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Inspect Cabling and Ethernet Connection
- Verify that Ethernet cables are undamaged and certified for high-speed data transfer.
- Test the Ethernet
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