96% packet loss when using Nvidia Geforce Now

[#1]

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@83dons wrote:

Cant do the ONT test ... ... and called plusnet who said that test cant be done direct.

The support staff you spoke to is WRONG !

You definitely CAN connect a PC to the ONT and get a working internet connection.

Something about your network / PPPoE connection's settings was incorrect.

[#2]

Hi i got it working as I had a typo on the username!

Now zero packets lost for the geforce test which i guess proves the router is the issue, seed is as expected (upload higher than with router download about the same). Waveform test is odd the upload wont even run. Latency seems a little high even in the ont.

I will test with the new router but it is the same model so I think will have issues. Any routers that anyone can recommend that might avoid all these issues it is looking like I might need a better one as the service network seems ok but their standard router rubbish.

See below:

[#3]

@83dons 

When you spoke to Plusnet did you discuss the upload speeds have been dropping to as low as 5 or 6 Mbps ? 

Might be interesting to boot your computer into Safe Mode + Networking an repeat the speed tests, sometimes the difference can be marked pointing to bloatware on the computer.

[#4]

@83dons 

If considering a new router have a look at hthe FritzBox 7530. A well regarded router used by Zen Internet. The AX version is WiFi 6 capable.

https://uk.webuy.com/search/?stext=fritzbox+routers

However, your best bet might be to look at gaming forums for recommendations regarding a gaming router.

Brian

[#5]

They said they dont gauranteee 75mbps upload and it was at 40 with the new cable. They said to try the new router then get back to them if still issues with nvidia. I might try that and take some screenshots.

[#6]

The screenshots are interesting, particularly the Speedtest one.

I've never tried creating a PPPoE session on a Windows PC straight into the ONT but I would expect it to be at least the contractual "nominal" speeds (the minimums are very rarely seen with fibre).

It's better than the 5 or 6 Mb/s upload you saw.

The replacement Plusnet router will at least take one variable out of the puzzle.  

PS What's the network interface? I assume it's on the motherboard.

[#7]

So their replacement router had better connections but still 96% packet loss. Bought a new router TP-Link Archer AX73 and it performs well on speed test and A rated on waveform test. But still 96% packet loss. Both direct connection to ONT and wifi connection on new router give zero packet loss. I could use wifi but prefer ethernet as faster connection. Why on earth would the packet loss only exist on ethernet connection where a router (any) is used but work straight to ONT with same cable or via wifi?!

[#8]

Just to check my understanding, there is one wired device (a computer of some sort) and all WiFi connected devices perform OK.

It's sounding like the wired network merits investigation.

Is this something built in or plugged into the computer motherboard or is it some sort of USB network adaptor?

Have you investigated different drivers?

I had dreadful trouble with some duff Realtek drivers a while back which required installing different versions (working back from the current) until something worked.

Also, I assume you have set correct values in the Quality of Service (or whatever TP-Link call it) to reflect nominal line speeds. Generally something like measured - 10% is used but in your case it would be the nominal service upload and download speeds less (say) 10%. 

[#9]

@83dons 

Assuming windows I would suggest looking a MTR https://winmtr.net/ it will hopefully report where the packet loss is occuring

A linux version is available.

[#10]

For the TP-Link router is it possible to check the WAN and LAN ports Ethernet status, this detail which ports are used and the port speed.

From the landing page >Network map >Archer AX73 >Ethernet status (scroll down to the bottom)

You are looking for 1000Mbps Full Duplex for each connected port.

[#11]

Yes a wired pc. Lots of other WiFi devices. Tp link use qos in form of setting devices as priority which I have the ethernet pc connection. Pc ethernet port is at the back so I presume built in not sure how to go about inspecting it further. I put in 450 download and 63 upload which is about advertised speed less 10% although it varies. 

[#12]

OK I will try that mtr link. Ping to - t 8.8.8 8 works OK only to the nvidia geforce now service it drops a lot 

[#13]

"Why on earth would the packet loss only exist on ethernet connection where a router (any) is used but work straight to ONT with same cable or via wifi?!"

I can construct a line of argument as to why this might happen, but I'm quite prepared for the cries of "rubbish!" that could follow.

TCP has a function called "flow control" . In Microsoft Windows the implementation of this has changed over time as faster network links have come along but it's now quite clever.

When the PC is plugged directly into the ONT they arrange the flow control between them. When the PC is connected to the router it has a  "fast" connection to the router (as fast as the link will allow assuming both ends are 1Gb/s interfaces) and the router has a "slower" connection to the ONT (it's much less than 1Gb/s upload).

Possibly that combination has prevented Windows from understanding the uplink lomitations correctly.

WiFi has much less guaranteed bandwidth (with great variation in capacity from moment to moment) so flow control will be more complex for a WiFi connection.

Am I barking entirely up the wrong tree?

[#14]

It is great to see that the wired speeds are now showing a much better speed when testing. I feel it is always better to get the internet working correct, cable and router to rule them out. 

It looks like Nvidia Geforce Now service uses UDP and I'd expect game networking traffic to also use UDP. Games do attempt to manage latency and some dropped packets but clearly much is happening that they can't.

Looking online people over the years have been struggling with Nvidia Geforce Now with some saying to 'use the geforce now app' others claiming using Chrome, some suggest connecting via a VPN, so I feel there might be some 'trying things out'.

[#15]

yes both showing 1000mbps full duplex