Router is dropping Packets

[Dystopian]

Hi,

My router is dropping packets, and the ping is high. I've checked it on the ping test website and it's got a 12% packet loss. My ISP is Virgin Media.

I think the router is on it's way out, it's about 3 years old and we use the internet quite a lot. The voltage potentials on the router config screen seem to be way out to me, but rather than wait for a technician from them to come out, scratch it with a screwdriver, scratch his head, shrug his shoulders and get another one - can I buy my own router? Will it work fine despite it not being "standard" to my ISP? I'd rather buy my own anyway, I think all ISP's cut corners (Being capitalist businesses) and I need my internet connection to be reliable.

 

[ddt]

Sure, why not? I presume with your router, you mean your ADSL- or cable-modem with built-in router.

ISPs simply use the same communication standards for the communication between clients and their network as the manufacturers of ADSL/cable-modems do. Before you buy, of course you should find out which standards. So:
1) do you have an ADSL-1, an ADSL-2, or a cable connection?
2) is your ADSL-line shared with an analog phone line or an ISDN line?
And furthermore,
3) on installation, you might have to adjust certain settings of the modem.

When you have a competent ISP, you can find that all on their website. Else, drop them an email.

 

[Dystopian]

Sure, why not? I presume with your router, you mean your ADSL- or cable-modem with built-in router.

ISPs simply use the same communication standards for the communication between clients and their network as the manufacturers of ADSL/cable-modems do. Before you buy, of course you should find out which standards. So:
1) do you have an ADSL-1, an ADSL-2, or a cable connection?
2) is your ADSL-line shared with an analog phone line or an ISDN line?
And furthermore,
3) on installation, you might have to adjust certain settings of the modem.

When you have a competent ISP, you can find that all on their website. Else, drop them an email.

1)Cable
2)ISDN
3)No Problem.

 

[BenBurch]

Replace your ethernet cable, and your phone cable to the wall. It seems odd, but a almost destroyed cable can pass some packets, but will have a high error rate. Often the damage is nothing you can really see.

 

[ddt]

1)Cable

Probably they use DOCSIS, but there may be still older standards around, so check that first to be sure.

2)ISDN

Not relevant with cable modems of course.

But Ben's is good advice, to first check your cables.