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How to test ping, latency and packet loss on VPS Gamer

High ping, packet loss, and latency variations can cause lag, player teleportation, and disconnections. Before changing the server, test both ways and record the time of the problem.

What each measurement means​

  • Ping or latency: time for a packet to go to its destination and return;
  • packet loss: packets sent that do not receive a response;
  • jitter: variation between response times;
  • route: path taken between player and server.

1. Install tools​

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y mtr-tiny traceroute

The ping command is already present in most Ubuntu installations.

2. Test VPS ping​

Choose a trusted destination:

ping -c 20 1.1.1.1

Please note:

  • packet loss for loss;
  • min/avg/max for minimum, average and maximum latency;
  • large difference between minimum and maximum may indicate instability.

Also test the IP of an affected player when they allow it and the address responds to ICMP.

3. Analyze the route with MTR​

mtr -rwzc 100 IP_DE_DESTINO

Parameters used:

  • r: final report;
  • w: expanded columns;
  • z: autonomous system numbers, when available;
  • c 100: sends 100 cycles.

The test may take a few minutes.

How to interpret loss in MTR​

Loss on an intermediate hop does not prove a problem when subsequent hops and the destination respond normally. Some routers limit ICMP responses without discarding forwarded traffic.

Consider it relevant when the loss starts at one point and continues on subsequent hops to the destination.

4. Use traceroute​

traceroute IP_DE_DESTINO

Traceroute helps you visualize the path, but a route with asterisks doesn't necessarily mean unavailability.

5. Check out VPS features​

CPU, memory, or disk problems can look like network lag:

uptime
free -h
df -h
top

See also what to check when a Linux VPS is slow.

6. Check ports and processes​

sudo ss -lntup

Confirm that the game is listening on the correct port. Learn how to release ports in UFW.

7. Test at the time of the problem​

For useful diagnosis, record:

  1. date and time with zone;
  2. Player IP;
  3. player's operator and city;
  4. result of the player's MTR for the VPS;
  5. VPS MTR result for the player, when possible;
  6. game logs at the same time;
  7. number of connected players.

Frequently asked questions​

What ping is good for games?​

The smaller and more stable, the better. The price depends on the physical distance, operator, route and type of game; There is no single ideal number for all cases.

Does restarting the VPS reduce ping?​

Normally it does not change the internet route. It can help only when the lag is caused by a frozen process or lack of resources.

Speedtest replaces MTR?​

No. A speed test measures transfer to a specific server. MTR helps locate latency and loss along the route.

Does a problem player mean VPS failure?​

Not necessarily. Compare players from different operators and regions and test both ways before finalizing.

If you need assistance with analysis, open a ticket with Nice Hosting support.