Is this an Internet issue or Computer issue? (lag)

[Shauna333]

I'm getting lag in all my games. Not only that but when I'm simply using my browser, opening a website I will sometimes get lag. (screen freezes,/micro stutter in my games) Sometimes my internet connection will cut out randomly, not sure if this is the same issue or a different issue.

I had a similar/same issue with my previous ISP which is why I changed from them to my new one. The problems weren't AS noticeable and I didn't have my internet connection dropping with them but in gaming the lag/delay was noticeable. Similar to now.

note: lag will sometimes go away for days/weeks at a time and then come back for days/weeks at a time. seemingly randomly.

After paying extra to change ISPs I thought it must be a computer issue so I bought a new computer to test the results. Same issues on both computers.
I am about to change everything (monitor, keyboard, mouse) just to be sure.

So my question is 1) do you think this is a network (internet) issue?
2) is it possible for me to have an internet issue when my speedtest, pingtest, netalyzr, traceroutes and everything are fine??
3) If there CAN be something changed with my connection how do I go about it with my ISP? what can they even fix if all the internet tests show up clean?

Thanks.

I was reluctant to accept the fact I could be having an internet issue because my internet tests all showed up sparkly clean. That's why I got a new computer and monitor to see if it was my hardware affecting my "lag".
Having the same issue with different hardware makes me think its a connection issue but not sure? I'm not very tech savvy so I would really appreciate help identifying the problem in order to fix it. Thank you so much for reading and replying if you do.

 

[CountMike]

Could also be your router and connection to it, specially if it's WiFi. Ping some fast site like Google.com and see where it takes longest.

 

[Ubrales]

1. ISP problem - ISPs supply a certain amount of bandwidth at the node which supplies multiple residences/businesses. They are counting on the fact that not all these subscribers will be online simultaneously. However, peak usage periods do occur and when this happens bandwidths will be reduced and a slight (usually non-perceptive) lag will occur. The ISPs will not give you this data and most of the time they do not have precise data themselves.

2. Too many devices connected by you. This you can control and turn OFF certain devices for testing purposes. Speedtest, Ping test, Net analyzer, etc. are snapshots at that instant. They are not continuous non-averaging measurements over an 8-hour period.

3. Connect the computer Ethernet (CAT7E) directly to the Modem, by-passing the router. Check results.

4. Your computer is not the problem. If you have a wireless card, by-pass it by connecting the Ethernet (CAT7E) directly to the Modem.

 

[Shauna333]

1. ISP problem - ISPs supply a certain amount of bandwidth at the node which supplies multiple residences/businesses. They are counting on the fact that not all these subscribers will be online simultaneously. However, peak usage periods do occur and when this happens bandwidths will be reduced and a slight (usually non-perceptive) lag will occur. The ISPs will not give you this data and most of the time they do not have precise data themselves.

2. Too many devices connected by you. This you can control and turn OFF certain devices for testing purposes. Speedtest, Ping test, Net analyzer, etc. are snapshots at that instant. They are not continuous non-averaging measurements over an 8-hour period.

3. Connect the computer Ethernet (CAT7E) directly to the Modem, by-passing the router. Check results.

4. Your computer is not the problem. If you have a wireless card, by-pass it by connecting the Ethernet (CAT7E) directly to the Modem.

hmm I think you're right. It might be a bandwidth issue because I notice if i try to play games for an extended period of time the lag will seem to get worse and worse. My dad is using an extremely old computer (like probably almost 15 years old) is it possible that his computer is bottle necking our network?

I've tried turning off the other devices in my house (tested it for about 10 mins before i had to turn them on again) and it didn't seem to change anything.

I tried running ping tests to the league of legends server (the game I play the most). and I noticed over pinging it 20 times, the results were extremely unstable like 30ms, 36ms, 200ms(spike), 40 ms, 169ms(spike), 30 ms, 1000ms(spike) etc

Following your advice I plugged in the ethernet and did the same thing (pinging it 20 times) and the results were a lot more stable with fewer ping spikes. But the ethernet on it's own doesn't fix my lagging in games problem. (I have tried several times before). I was actually originally on ethernet when experiencing this problem and noticed it wasn't any better/worse on wifi and just switched to using wifi out of convenience.

Anywho, I'm more curious what you think about the bandwidth thing? the people in my household download/watch videos and use the web pretty often. Sometimes my dad will have his YouTube on all night long even when he's asleep. (so the videos will keep running> going to next recommended video, and next etc) However I get lag even when they're not using their computers the same time I am. Does extended use make the overall bandwidth weaker? Not sure how this works...

Thank you for the reply btw, much appreciated

 

[CountMike]

Does your router have feature to show traffic in real time ?

 

[Ubrales]

A good analogy to bandwidth is a 6-lanes freeway. The more vehicles there are on the freeway the slower the traffic speed. Youtube turned and left ON while not in use is like one of the vehicles on the freeway idling with the engine ON. That lane is blocked for others.

Similarly, Facebook with settings ON even when not in use is eating up bandwidth as well as reducing the battery life. There are other Apps too that are hogs.

One thing that you can check (and control) is your Graphics card in your computer. If you are a heavy gamer (at high settings) you need a high end Graphics card. Before you decide to upgrade your Graphics card study the impact that it will have on the rest of the components inside your computer; such as PSU, CPU, Motherboard, RAM. One thing you can try rather easily is to lower the game settings to medium, and check performance.

 

[CountMike]

Yeah, 6 line highway including rubberneckers and gawkers !!! (slow users connected at same time)

 

[Shauna333]

hmm Okay, thank you guys so much for your response. I think after better understanding what the problem might I will try a few things and maybe call up my ISP if I feel this is a different issue. Thanks!

 

[Shauna333]

Does your router have feature to show traffic in real time ?

not a clue lol

 

[CountMike]

Get manual for it, one of mine has that feature.

 

[Ubrales]

One of my favorite lines is "I've made up my mind; now don't confuse me with the facts!" - Makes the day go easier!