lag connecting to NA servers (node problem)

Since Tuesday (10/22) I have been unable to play the game due to extreme lag. I have pinged the NA servers where my characters are and have complete packet loss.

I have done the usual troubleshooting (restarting the router, game, computer, etc etc) and have contacted my ISP and have determined that my internet is stable and able to connect to any other server or website I have tried except for the NA servers.

I have done a tracert and have determined that the 11th node along the route from my computer to the servers is unresponsive to me.

I am aware that I can use a VPN to change the route from my computer to the servers but I would heavily prefer not to use one as it would require an extra fee. If there is any other alternative that can be done I would greatly appreciate it.

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

Where in game do you experience lag? Are you connected to the router directly or are you using WiFi?

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

Definitely having similar issues with FF14 only. All the services are lagging, including this site. Speedtests and everything are fine. Seems like some massive net outtage somewhere.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dynratygus

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

Where in game do you experience lag? Are you connected to the router directly or are you using WiFi?

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

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I am currently in Il Mheg. Though I am using WiFi (hardwire connection is not available to me), i have been playing for several months previously with no issues; the extreme amounts of lag began in the middle of a play session on Tuesday night (approximately 9 pm cst?) and have not stopped since. If necessary i can provide a screenshot of the tracert route to show you my route to the servers, but as i've said its the 11th node that i cannot connect to (all previous nodes are fine). I am able to connect to other servers (such as the EU server) fine, it just seems to be that one node along the way to the NA server that is unresponsive.

My issue with connection stems from not being able to connect to the login screen on my ps4. Everything else connects fine, but not the game. Also having trouble loading pages on the forum.

I tried a fresh install just to knock off one more possible issue but it still just seems to be a problem with that 11th node. I'll keep updating daily just to check in.

Thank you for the reply HeavenlyPete.

You mentioned you ran a trace route to the server, can you provide that?

Additionally, what have you tried so far in order to alleviate the issue?

We hope we can be of assistance in helping you enjoy the exciting world of Final Fantasy XIV!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Einmimiria

Thank you for the reply HeavenlyPete.

You mentioned you ran a trace route to the server, can you provide that?

Additionally, what have you tried so far in order to alleviate the issue?

We hope we can be of assistance in helping you enjoy the exciting world of Final Fantasy XIV!

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this is my traceroute (modem ip blocked for privacy):
https://imgur.com/gDJMAYV
all hops after the 11th node time out and do not respond.

methods i have tried (that i can remember):
-restarting computer
-checking firewall
-fresh install of game
-contacting ISP, who reset/updated my modem (after this did not work they said i should contact the game provider, hence this thread)
-resetting my modem via unplugging, waiting a period of time, and replugging
-updating drivers
possibly more that i can update later with if i remember. unfortunately none of these methods have worked.

Thank you for the reply HeavenlyPete.

For clarification, where are you running this trace route to? What IP address did you enter? It seems the image cut that part off at the top.

We hope we can be of assistance in helping you enjoy the exciting world of Final Fantasy XIV!

apologies, i did not clarify. im attempting to connect to the NA data center at 184.107.107.176 where my characters are. here is the complete image:

https://imgur.com/HzdBClv

edit: for reference, here is me pinging/tracing to the EU servers at 209.130.141.243:
https://imgur.com/Rt8FTVQ

Thank you for the update HeavenlyPete.

It looks like those IP addresses don't go to either server. I'm not sure what the first on is routing to, but the second one goes to the main EU website, not the server.

However, based on both of these trace routes, it looks like you are running into some instability early in your route. You'll notice the big differences in return times and the packet loss (represented by asterisks) near the beginning of the route. This is usually caused by interference along your route to he server, or a wireless connection. If you are unable to connect using a wired connection, then I'd recommend contacting your ISP and making a report with them.

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

so after fiddling with everything it turns out that it seemingly is my audio that is causing the lag. when i turn off all audio except for system sounds, the game begins to lag to the point of unplayability, but when i have all sounds on or no sounds on it plays fine. though it seems an odd reason for lag, i suppose i shouldn't question it so long as the game still works. ill post back again if something happens and the audio tinkering was just a fluke.