You’re in the middle of an online match when the next thing you know you experience lag, and even though it was just a second delay, it still cost you a win. Lag, frame rate issues, and connection loss, are all annoying problems that gamers run into every now and then, but it’s even worse for those who don’t have the right internet set-up.
Unfortunately, a number of internet service providers (ISPs) fall short of offering packages suited to gamers; rather, they cater to users who wouldn’t even notice any issues with their internet since they only use it for browsing and streaming. When searching for an internet provider, make sure that they have packages specifically tailored for gaming – learn more by visiting Poynt 360 for the best possible internet solutions for gamers.
Here are some things you should look out for when picking a provider and setting up your internet.
Type of Connection
Dial-up is out the window (obviously), but there are a number of other options you can use, all of which can work fine given the right circumstances.
- DSL (Direct Subscriber Line) – uses phone lines, can be slow
- Cable –faster than DSL; can run into slowdowns because of shared connection
- Fiber-Optic Cable –generally your fastest option, but expensive
- Satellite – not the fastest, but sometimes the only option
Depending on where you live, some options might not be available, limiting your choice. Also, remember that wired connections will always be better than a wireless one.
Data Usage
If you can, try to find an ISP that can offer you unlimited data packages, that way you never have to worry about how much you’re playing, downloading, streaming, etc. This is the best option for users who are often on the internet, and for when you need to patch or download new games.
Connection Speed
The first thing to consider when thinking about connection speed is whether or not you will be doing other things while gaming, or if there will be other people in your home who will be using it at the same time. The more your internet gets used, the higher the download and upload speeds need to be. If you’re going to be getting the most out of your internet, you should be looking at a download speed of 150 mbps and an upload speed of 10 mpbs.
Latency and Ping
Speed isn’t everything – what you really want to look at is how long it takes for your computer to respond to another computer. This is measured in what is called “ping” and the higher it is, the more lag you’re going to experience. Generally, anything 150 ms and over is considered poor ping times, while anything under 20 ms is great.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
With a bit of research you can find yourself an ISP that offers you great internet options all at affordable prices. Make sure you shop around and don’t be afraid to tell your current provider that you’re thinking of leaving, because it just might scare them into offering you better rates.
