Over the years, online gaming has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon with the rise of esports, streaming, and competitive matches. The quality of online gaming is heavily impacted by internet speeds, which can cause a lot of frustration for regular online gamers. 

From bandwidth to latency, a stable and fast internet connection is vital for a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. This article explores how internet speeds impact online gaming performance and what you can do about it.

Latency

Latency is one of the most important aspects which can affect online gaming performance. This (measured in milliseconds) is the time it takes for data to travel from a device to the game server and back again. In a fast-paced game, such as Rocket League or Fortnite, split-second decisions matter. 

If you have high latency, you may experience a delay in your actions, which can affect the whole game. This results in a sluggish gaming experience. Low latency is, therefore, key for great online gaming performance, which means you should know how to check your network latency. You can then take up any issues with your internet provider or try a wired internet connection.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is another essential aspect that can affect internet speeds and online gaming performance, especially in multiplayer games with frequent changes. Sufficient bandwidth is essential for smooth downloads of updates and game patches. With a slow download speed, you can be waiting longer before joining a game, causing frustration for teammates who are waiting for you to arrive. 

Bandwidth is affected by the number of devices and users on the Wi-Fi network at any one time. If you are playing games, it may be worth turning off or disconnecting devices that don’t require an internet connection at that moment and letting other people in the house know. They may be able to leave certain downloads until later on so you can have a stable and consistent gaming experience. Again, it’s best to speak to your internet provider about your current bandwidth and whether this can be increased. 

Fiber Internet vs. Satellite

In the ongoing debate of fiber internet vs. satellite, fiber often emerges as the preferred choice for online gamers. If you’re currently working with a satellite internet provider, it may be time to make the switch to enjoy uninterrupted gaming. Fiber-optic cables can transmit data using light signals, which results in high speeds and low latency. 

On the other hand, a satellite relies on signals being sent and received via dishes, meaning data must travel long distances before reaching the server. Many gamers ask the question: is fiber internet better than satellite? and we’re here to tell you- fiber is the optimal choice for avid online gamers. 

Online gaming performance can be massively affected by internet speeds, including latency and bandwidth. It’s essential that gamers regularly check their internet speeds to see how this is affecting gameplay. You can use internet speed testers, try a wired connection, or use a fiber internet provider for faster speeds and smoother gameplay.