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Squad packet loss: What is it and how to fix it?
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Squadis a teamwork-based tactical FPS that aims to provide players with an accurate combat experience. The game is set in a present-day warfare setting, so you won’t catch a glimpse of plasma guns or Gatling laser weapons.
What Squad manages to pull off is embossing a sense of virtual camaraderie between same-team players. If you’re expecting something along the lines ofCall of Duty,Battlefield,Counter-Strike, or other FPS titles, you’re in for a disappointment.
The bottom line is that you won’t be able to achieve victory on your own. Using a broad range of communication-centered mechanics including planning, coordination, building, tactics, and neatly-integrated VoIP, on the other hand, might give you a fighting chance.
But, here’s the thing. Squad is a multiplayer game, so it requires anInternet connection. And like any other online game, it may be subject to a series of connectivity issues, such as high latency and packet loss.
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What is packet loss in Squad
Packet loss behaves almost the same regardless of where you may spot it. It’s described by the inability of data packets to reach their intended destination, which is why packet loss is different than high ping.
Therefore, it’s somewhat obvious that packet loss is also more severe than high latency. Here is a list of potential symptoms of high packet loss in Squad:
What causes Squad packet loss
Many are curious as to why packet loss happens, especially in video games. If you were to leak packets while reading a news article, for instance, a simple refresh in yourweb browserwould fix the issue and make you forget it even existed.
However, in certain computer programs and processes, things are somewhat different. And for good reason, too.
Let’s take video games, such as Squad, for example. During a gaming session, your PC establishes a connection to the game server, which also hosts the other players.
Considering that a Squad match supports up to 100 players, it’s safe to assume that playing Squad can put a lot of strain on your connection.
In order for you to enjoy Squad, the connection must be kept alive, so it’s inevitable to encounter certain hiccups such asjitter, high latency, and packet loss (you should notice a packet loss symbol).
Here’s what causes Squad packet loss:
And that’s barely scratching the surface. There are a lot of reasons why you might encounter packet loss in Squad. Furthermore, the issue can be on your side, on your ISP’s side, or on the game server host’s side.
Knowing the cause of experiencing packet loss can greatly help you in finding an efficient fix for it.
How to detect packet loss in Squad
If you drew the short straw and are leaking packets, you might want to run some tests just to make sure you’re not confusing it with something else.
Each node you see belongs to a part of your connection (i.e. the connection between your PC and the game server).
Rule of thumb: the first hop (zero) always belongs to your PC, and the last one corresponds to the server you run the text against (i.e. x.x.x.x, the IP you used earlier). If you’re confused, just use the screenshot above for clarification.
That’s it. If you see a high packet loss percentage on any node, it means your connection is experiencing this issue.
How to fix Squad packet loss?
1. Use a VPN
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent VPN service from Kape Technologies and one of the few providers who offer 24/7 live chat support to its customers.
Aside from its privacy and security features, PIA can also fix certain connectivity issues andbypass geoblocking.
Private Internet Access
Using a VPN can improve packet loss by routing your traffic away from your ISP’s limited connection. However, as you may have figured out, it will only work if your ISP is to blame for your packet loss situations.
Therefore, using a VPN won’t improve packet loss if the issue is on your side, or the game server’s side. Therefore, make sure to rule out your PC/the server host as causes for your packet leak situation before investing in a VPN.
2. Flush your DNS
ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /registerdnsipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewnetsh winsock reset
Restart your PC immediately after running the last command. Once the boot sequence is finished, try launching Squad once more and check if you’re still experiencing packet loss.
More often than not, clearing up cached data build-ups can have a great effect on your connection’s well-being. As it turns out, flushing your DNS can help you achieve just that.
3. Troubleshoot your connection manually
Note that these suggestions won’t necessarily eliminate (or even reduce, for that matter) packet loss, especially if the issue is not on your side.
However, performing maintenance on your connection every once in a while can keep many connectivity issues at bay.
Final thoughts on Squad packet loss
To sum it up, Squad is an awesome game, there’s no way around it. However, occasional packet loss issues might turn Squad into an unpleasant experience for you, especially if you notice a pattern starting to form.
If you want to patch it up quickly, a VPN can come in really handy. On the other hand, this quick fix only works if the packet loss is caused by your ISP (i.e. occurs somewhere between you and the game server, excluding the endpoints).
Last, but not least, you may want to perform a bit of manual troubleshooting. It may not eliminate packet loss like a charm, but at least you’ll have a healthier connection, and you can rule your system out as a potential cause for packet loss.
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More about the topics:Fix network issues,gaming,packet loss,VPN
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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