Analyze the impact of packet loss on TCP throughput using the Mathis formula. Assess suitability for VoIP, gaming, streaming, and other applications with detailed recommendations.
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Packet loss is one of the most critical factors affecting network performance. Even small amounts can devastate VoIP call quality, cause gaming lag, and reduce file transfer speeds. This calculator helps you quantify the exact impact using the industry-standard Mathis formula for TCP throughput.
Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their destination. While TCP retransmits lost packets, this reduces effective throughput significantly. The Mathis formula shows that throughput decreases proportionally to the square root of packet loss - meaning even 1% loss can cut throughput by up to 90% under certain conditions.
Mathis Throughput Formula
Throughput = (MSS / RTT) x (1 / sqrt(Loss))Packet loss above 1% causes choppy audio, dropped syllables, and frustrating call experiences. Quantify if your network supports quality voice calls.
Online gaming requires minimal packet loss. Even 1-2% can cause rubber-banding, hit registration issues, and disconnections in competitive games.
Understand why you're not achieving advertised speeds. Packet loss can reduce a 100 Mbps connection to a fraction of its capacity.
Provide concrete data when reporting network issues to your ISP. Show exactly how packet loss is affecting your service.
Verify your network meets requirements before deploying VoIP phone systems or video conferencing solutions.
Ensure your connection supports competitive online gaming where every millisecond and packet counts.
Evaluate if your home network can handle video calls, screen sharing, and cloud application access without issues.
Document packet loss impact to justify network infrastructure investments or ISP changes to stakeholders.
For general web browsing and file transfers, up to 2-5% is tolerable. For VoIP and video conferencing, aim for under 1%. For competitive gaming, less than 0.5% is ideal. Zero packet loss is perfect but rare on the public internet.