+1
possible that the SSE cable links are over loaded or more likely the Vodafone backhaul

In reply to a post by Lyam:

When my internet's working I'll usually have between 30-40 ping (if EU server) and 0% packet loss, but when my internet isn't working properly, I'll have between 70-90 ping (if EU server) and 8-28% packet loss

-When I perform simple packet loss tests through packetlosstest.com I average between 4-6% packet loss out of 150 packets
-Even though my d/l speed sometimes shows 30-40Mbps, the packet loss still persists

Your packet loss is unacceptably high! Some late packets are acceptable on 4G/5G services but zero % packet loss is normal. 4-6% is majorly problematic and 8-28% is simply ridiculous.

I would suggest you have an extreme CP network congestion issue, or possibly an intermittent line fault / noise /interference condition.

Thanks all for the responses. I've raised this as a complaint through SSE who've escalated it to Vodafone. MrSaffron, you mentioned it could be something set up wrong - any idea what could've been setup wrong?

Also, I've just done another test (12:35) and everything seems much better so it shows how sporadic this is:




SSE have also conducted multiple "line tests" which also come back fine from their end if that's any relevance.

Thanks again all!

Vodafone backhaul congestion, same problem as some Vodafone users are having.
Go to a better ISP !.

Edited by APTMAN (Sat 29-Aug-20 13:06:29)

Just for info, it's where the single thread and multi-thread graphs diverge that are the main clue to suspecting congestion .

A single thread should run at not far under the connection speed. The maximum possible is roughly 92%-96% of connection speed, for various technical reasons including overheads.

A multi-thread test will usually only be a small amount above the single thread. Only higher because it is utilising your end to maximum capacity.

The rapid ramping up at the start is normal.

If there is a huge gap between the two graphs, like yours had, then the conclusion is as MrSaffron said. The severe drop-off soon after starting is also bad. That suggests to me that the initial high was simply a result of early buffering somewhere during that startup phase.

Thanks for the info everyone! Much appreciated.

SSE have been in touch and told me pretty much what was stated on this thread. The problem is that the cable link is congested and Vodafone have scheduled work on this on 18th September. So hopefully there'll be no more issues after that!