Packet loss when not using a vpn

[Domie]

Recently posted about packet loss while using geforce now streaming a game. The issue is fixed by using a vpn. Why would this be? Are sky doing something intentionally to using this service? Downloads fine 60mbps im the only one on the network connected via ethernet.

[jamesn123]

@Domie 

VPNs route your service through the VPN providers infrastructure (known as hops). When not using your VPN your traffic goes through Sky hops. To me it sounds like there is a dodgy route on the Sky side that you dont take when using the VPN

[Domie]

interesting. Thanks for the reply.

Do you think this is something Sky will be able to fix? or be willing to investigate?

[jamesn123]

@Domie 

its not something Sky have a direct route for reporting. If you call up and try to report it you may get lucky with an adviser knowledgeable enough to pass it on to the L2 network team 

[JPR007]

@Domie Shot in the dark, but maybe worth powering the router off for 30 mins to gain another IP address. The routing alters when you do, and it seems to be an answer to things like slow throughput sometimes too...

@jamesn123 Is there still such a thing as higher level tech support that the consumer can get hold of..? 

I managed it once years ago, but these days it seems like whenever people call up they can never get through to higher level support regardless of request...🤔

[jamesn123]

@JPR007 

Yes there is

[ltron]

I have the same problem.  I don't remember this being an issue when I moved in a year ago so something must have changed in the last six to nine months.  The packet loss from the Geforce Now speed test is reflected in actual games so it is not a reporting error.

[ltron]

By the way this is using an ethernet connection wired directly to the router, I have tested using multiple PCs.  The same is observed when using a wireless connection both on PC and my Android tablet.  Other streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and Now TV are fine.  Only Geforce NOW and XBOX Game Pass cloud gaming services have issues.  All other speed tests are fine with no packet loss and expected download and upload speeds.

[Vu1tan]

Hello all, I have the same issue when using Sky Fibre Broadband - Poor performance of Xbox Cloud Gaming, stuttering image, audio drops. Making it unplayable.

However, if I swap to connecting to the same cloud gaming service with 4G mobile data,  all is fine!

Hope someone can find a solution, but sounds like maybe one of those issues that'll not be worth the stress fighting to get fixed.  Unfortunately past experience with Broadband providers, suggest the long term solution will be having to change provider when the contracts up.

[ltron]

If you are playing via PC I find the performance of XCloud via the Edge browser to be much better than using the app (still not great though, but acceptable).  However, performance using cloud gaming services on Sky Broadband needs to be improved significantly.  I hope they listen.