A faulty or outdated modem can absolutely contribute to packet loss problems by interrupting communication between your ISP and your home network.
Common Modem Issues
Overheating, aging hardware, firmware bugs, and unstable signal levels can all prevent packets from being transmitted correctly. Older modems may also struggle with modern internet speeds.
Signs Your Modem May Be Failing
Frequent disconnects, flashing warning lights, unstable speeds, and packet loss across multiple devices often point to modem-related issues.
How to Troubleshoot
Restart the modem, check signal levels from your ISP, update firmware if available, and test another modem if possible to confirm whether the device is causing packet loss.