How to understand packet loss and latency
Latency is the time a probe takes to travel to a destination and back. Missing ping replies are not necessarily lost application traffic.
Synthetic connection checks
Invented example: four hourly check summaries from one Mac on one evening. The target and monitoring coverage are unknown.
| Local hour | Latency, ms | Ping replies missing, % |
|---|---|---|
| 18:00 | 24 | 0 |
| 19:00 | 31 | 0 |
| 20:00 | 80 | 5 |
| 21:00 | 28 | 0 |
What to check
Record the target, time, number of probes and connection type. Compare router replies with more than one internet target when possible. Some destinations limit or ignore pings.
What to do next
A report summarizes checks from one Mac while it was running. Missing monitoring is not proof of uptime, and results alone do not identify who is at fault.
Official source
ACCC: broadband performance data
Sources checked 3 November 2026. Rules, contracts and complaint routes can change. Check official guidance for your circumstances.
Get help with your report
Send us a reviewed Kilobat support report. We can help you understand the measurements, choose a next test and prepare a message for your provider.
Slower than advertised · Wi-Fi and Ethernet · Packet loss and latency · Complaint letter · Rights updates