8 Elements that Make the Best Internet for Gaming
Whether you play racing games, first-shooter, MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), or other games- having the best internet for gaming is a must. You can have the best graphics card or hardware on the market, but without the internet, it’s impossible to play online games well, let alone live stream your gameplay.
Gamers who don’t have the best internet for gaming are far more likely to experience lagging, or worse yet, be locked out of the server.
What does the best internet for gaming look like? That depends on several factors:
- The specific game you’re playing (single/multiplayer, the genre of the game)
- How many users and devices connect to your WiFi network
- How many of those users are gaming, using streaming services, or doing other bandwidth-heavy things
- Livestreaming your online activity on platforms, such as Twitch, requires superior internet
In this blog post, we go over everything you should look for in an internet provider and your internet package to have an impeccable gaming experience. Most solutions for the best internet for gaming are interconnected, but we break them down one by one for a more comprehensive understanding. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to find internet solutions that allow you to play on – smoothly!
1. The Best Internet for Gaming Requires Low Latency
Latency, also known as ping, is one of the most important gaming terms. It tells you how long it takes for you to send a signal and for the device to respond accordingly. For example, it’s the time spent between you prompting your game character to do something, and the character executing said action. Keep in mind that it’s not just the internet quality that affects latency, but also your GPU.
Latency is measuring delay in milliseconds (ms). The lower it is, the better. This is because it should take as little time as possible for the data to travel from your device to the server and back. High latency, on the other hand, causes gaming lag.
How much latency is good latency?
- Outstanding latency: 0 – 20 ms
- Optimal latency: 20 – 40 ms
- Acceptable latency: 40 ms – 100 ms
- Slightly noticeable latency: 100 – 150 ms
- Noticeable lagging: over 150 ms
How can you measure latency on your computer?
You can measure latency by taking a speed test. Many come with measuring ping too.
How can you decrease your ping?
You can lower your latency by reducing the game’s graphics settings, boosting your internet speed and Wi–Fi connection, and other solutions, outlined in this blog post about lagging.
2. Aim for High Internet Speed
When it comes to the best internet for gaming high-speed internet is a must for households where several users in the same household play games, use stream services, and work from home.
How much internet speed do you need for gaming?
The answer depends on what kind of a game you’re playing – how bandwidth-heavy it is and how much download and upload speed it needs. Gamers can get away with a speed of 50 to 100 Mbps, but only if other users aren’t using up a lot of data. This speed will also allow you to communicate in real time with your friends while gaming.
Remember that the peak speed advertised by your ISP is not the same as the sustained speed. So, while your internet speed can go as high as 100 Mbps (for example), that doesn’t mean it will consistently stay at that.
Luckily, online gaming doesn’t necessarily require vast amounts of bandwidth. But when another user of the same network watches Netflix or videoconferences at the same time as you’re gaming, you might run into connectivity problems.
To fare on the safe side, it’s best to opt for gigabit internet. That way, if your ISP is advertising a peak speed of 1 Gbps, you can rest assured that you’ll have sufficient sustained speed even if it’s lower than the promised 1 Gbps.
What about upload speed?
While download speed informs how fast you can get data from the server, upload data tells you how quickly you can send information to the server. While you can get away with slow upload speed if you’re watching Netflix, gamers need both to enjoy their gameplay, especially if they play multiplayer online games, such as Fortnite. Look for a plan with symmetrical speeds, as upload and download speeds will be the same.
3. Bandwidth is Critical
Bandwidth is the maximum data capacity your internet can handle. While gaming, high amounts of data are sent over your internet connection. Due to the volume, there’s a demand for plenty of bandwidth to keep up.
In addition, remember that bandwidth is affected by all devices in your home. For example, if you’re gaming and someone else is streaming a movie in the next room over, it can slow down your connection causing a less-than-stellar gaming session. To combat this, look into fiber internet. Fiber is better suited to handle the demands of a connected home.
4. Unlimited Data for Worry-Free Gaming
All online activities require data transfer: browsing, streaming, and most importantly, gaming. Many internet service providers set data caps. That means that users can’t use more than a set amount of data in a month, typically around 1 TB.
When ISPs impose data caps, users are more likely to experience bottlenecks, slower internet speeds, and be surprised with unexpected fees at the end of the month.
Seek out an internet plan with no data caps. That way, you can game as much as you’d like. If there is more than one gamer or streamer connected to the same Wi–Fi, having an unlimited data plan is a must. Many fiber optics ISPs, including Race, impose no data caps on their users.
5. Look for a No-Contract Internet Provider
If you signed a contract with your ISP and it turns out your internet speed is not up to the gaming task for whatever reason, there is very little you can do. You can change ISPs, but you might be charged early termination fees. Avoid this issue and choose an ISP that doesn’t require you to sign any contracts.
6. Make Sure You Can Rely on Customer Support
If anything is wrong with your internet connection, be it issues with your WiFi speed, router, or your bandwidth, you must be connected to a network with reliable customer support.
See how easy it is to contact customer support at your chosen ISP. They should have contact information, FAQ, and a chatbot available on their website. Some, but not all, are available 24/7 to their customers.
7. Fiber Internet as the Superior Internet Technology
When comparing fiber to copper, fiber is the definite winner. If you have cable internet, you need to share a node with the rest of your neighborhood. That means that in peak hours, your internet connection can be congested.
With fiber internet, on the other hand, you can consistently enjoy high symmetrical speeds throughout the day, 24/7. Additionally, most fiber internet providers impose no data caps and offer symmetrical speeds. It is composed of tiny glass strands that send data through light. Because of this, it’s less susceptible to power outages and weather extremes that cause loss of connectivity in other types of internet. Opting for fiber automatically checks off several items on the list for the best internet for gaming.
8. Hardwired Connections Improve the Gaming Experience
The type of internet and speed will only get you so far in searching for the best internet for gaming. You’ll also need to consider how you are plugging into your internet connection. WiFi is highly convenient, but internet speeds are not typically as fast as a hardwired connection.
In addition, a lot can affect your wireless connection, such as distance from the router or how many devices are connected to WiFi. Connecting your gaming device straight to a dedicated ethernet port can help you maintain fast speeds and eliminate any WiFi bandwidth issues.
Conclusion: The Best Internet for Gaming is Fiber Internet
When it comes to the best internet for gaming, all roads lead to fiber internet. It typically has no data caps and offers reliable symmetrical speeds. It’s suited for all gaming needs, including livestreaming your online activity and playing bandwidth-heavy multiplayer online games.
At Race, we provide the best internet for gaming: Gigabit fiber optic internet with no data caps, no contracts, symmetrical speeds, and outstanding customer support. If you’d like to join many happy gamers on our network, reach out to our specialists at 877-722-3833 or place an order online.
