How to Resolve Lost Packets in High Network Traffic (269070)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When there are high volumes of network traffic, buffer problems may occur. Clients usually connect by using Transmission Control Protocol Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) as the transport protocol, which reduces the chance of data loss. However, during periods of high network traffic, the Encoder may not be able to send data as fast as it should. When this situation occurs happens, the Encoder buffers the data instead.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

There are two settings in the registry that control how the Encoder buffers data: MaxBufferTime and DiscardPercentage. The Encoder can buffer for up to a maximum time period set in MaxBufferTime. The default is 20 seconds. When the buffer is full and the Encoder cannot send data, the Encoder attempts to create room in the buffer by discarding the oldest data. The DiscardPercentage setting determines the amount of data that is discarded. The default setting is 50 percent. When information is discarded from the buffer, Microsoft Windows Media Player indicates that packets have been lost.

Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
Locate the following key in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NetShow\Rex\Parameters
On the Edit menu, choose Add Value, and then add the following registry value:
Value Name: MaxBufferTime or DiscardPercentage
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Radix: Decimal
Value: MaxBufferTime: 0 - MAX_DWORD_SIZE
DiscardPercentage: 0 - 100
Quit Registry Editor.

NOTE: Modifying these settings also affects your Windows Media Server, Windows Media Player, and Windows Media Encoder if they are installed on the same computer.