FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide

Having trouble running the packet loss test? This guide covers the most common error codes and troubleshooting steps to get your connection working.

Error: Connection Failed

What it means: The application was unable to establish a WebRTC connection to the test server. This is the "handshake" phase where your browser and the server agree on how to send data.

Possible Causes & Fixes

  • Firewall Restriction: Your corporate or home firewall might be blocking outgoing UDP traffic. WebRTC requires UDP to function.
  • VPN Interference: Some VPNs do not support WebRTC properly or block the necessary ports. Try disabling your VPN.
  • Browser Extensions: Privacy extensions (like uBlock Origin or specialized WebRTC blockers) may prevent the connection.

Error: Connection Timeout

What it means: The connection attempt took longer than 30 seconds and was cancelled. This often happens on extremely high-latency or unstable networks.

Suggested Solutions

  • Check Stability: Ensure you aren't currently downloading large files or streaming 4K video while running the test.
  • Wired Connection: If you are on Wi-Fi, try switching to an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi interference is a leading cause of timeouts.
  • Restart Equipment: A simple power cycle of your router/modem can clear up connection table bloat.

Error: Data Transfer Error

What it means: The connection was established, but it was lost during the actual test. This indicates a sudden drop in network connectivity or the server becoming unreachable.

Troubleshooting

  • Reduce Test Duration: If you are testing for 180 seconds, try a shorter 30-second test to see if it sustains.
  • Verify ISP Status: Check if your internet service provider is experiencing local outages or "micro-drops."

General Questions

Why does this test use UDP?

Most speed tests use TCP, which automatically retransmits lost packets. This masks packet loss. real-time applications like gaming, Zoom, and VoIP use UDP, where lost packets are simply dropped. Our test uses UDP to show you the "raw" performance your real-time apps experience.

Is WebRTC safe?

Yes. WebRTC is a standard browser technology used by Google Meet, Discord, and many others. It allows secure, encrypted peer-to-peer communication directly in your browser without plugins.

Still having issues?

If you've tried the steps above and still can't connect, please contact our support team with your browser version and network type.