Latency
What Is Bufferbloat?
Why downloads can make ping worse.
Bufferbloat happens when network equipment stores too much data in queues. This can make ping rise sharply during downloads or uploads.
A connection may show high speed but still feel bad during gaming or video calls if latency becomes high under load.
Quality of Service settings, better routers and reducing background traffic can help control bufferbloat.
Quick checklist
- Run a fresh test after changing one setting.
- Compare Wi-Fi and Ethernet when possible.
- Check download, upload, ping and jitter together.