Hostilla.pl IT glossary

What is Packet loss?

Packet loss means some network data does not reach its destination.

Definition

Packet loss means some network data does not reach its destination.

What does it mean in practice?

For websites and online services, Packet loss affects response time, reliability, resource usage and the quality of the network path.

A practical Hostilla.pl example

Measure the same URL from a repeatable location before and after a change. Packet loss should be correlated with server response time, application logs, resource use, caching and the network path rather than judged from one browser refresh.

What should you check?

  • the exact URL, device, location and test time
  • a baseline for response time and page metrics
  • PHP, database, disk, cache and resource usage
  • one controlled change followed by the same test