LAYER 3 KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
A connection can transfer data quickly and still feel poor. Speed, latency and packet loss measure different parts of the experience.
Use this comparison to understand what streaming, gaming, calls, browsing and cloud applications actually need.
Speed is how much data can be transferred. Latency is how long data takes to travel. Packet loss is data that never arrives correctly. A fast line can still feel bad when latency or loss is poor.
Do not use one speed-test number as a complete diagnosis.
How much data can move over a period of time.
How long a request and response take to travel.
How much data fails to arrive and must be retried.
Different activities place different demands on a connection.
Needs enough sustained capacity and stability; loss can cause buffering or quality changes.
Usually values low, consistent latency and minimal loss more than very high download speed.
Need stable upload and download, low delay and very little loss.
Can feel slow when latency or DNS delays make many small requests take longer.
High capacity helps large transfers and multiple users, but it cannot remove every delay or repair missing data.
Latency, DNS or application paths may be the reason.
Packet loss, jitter, Wi-Fi or upload congestion may be involved.
Use comparisons that change one condition at a time. Record what was tested so the evidence is useful.
Use the same device, test location and connection method when comparing results.
A wired result helps separate the Internet connection from local Wi-Fi conditions.
Repeat tests at different times and note latency, loss, application behaviour and active traffic.
Check which activity is affected instead of relying only on a headline speed.
Stop large uploads or backups before testing calls and gaming.
Use a wired comparison where practical.
Record repeated latency or loss symptoms for support.
Layer 3 should help when poor latency or packet loss repeats across devices, wired tests are also affected, or important applications remain unstable after local Wi-Fi and utilisation checks.
Continue with a closely related explanation.
Continue with another useful route.
Use the Support Centre for account-specific checks, service diagnosis and escalation.