If you enjoy gaming, internet speed is a big deal. There’s nothing more irritating than being in the middle of a great game when all of sudden your internet connection starts to lag. A slow internet connection is annoying in general, but it’s even more frustrating when you’re gaming. Internet lag can completely ruin your game. If you’ve ever yelled at the internet during a game, we have some tips on how to reduce internet lag when gaming.
Internet lag is when there is a delay between when you do something with your controller and when it actually happens on the game server. This can be extremely frustrating because even if you press a button first or move your player first, it doesn’t matter. What you do doesn’t happen on the game server immediately because there is a lag. This can cause you to lose even if you’re faster than other players.
What causes internet lag?
You might think internet lag is caused by a slow internet connection, but your internet speed is not always the cause of the lag. When it comes to gaming, you need both a high-speed internet connection and low network latency. Latency is the amount of time it takes for your game system to send data to the game server and receive it back.
If your WIFI network is configured incorrectly, your router is out-of-date, or your game system is too far away from the router, you could experience internet lag.
Tips to Reduce Internet Lag When Gaming
If you are frustrated, yelling at the game won’t fix it. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce lag and latency when you’re gaming.
Check your internet speed and bandwidth
One of the first things you should check is your internet speed. Look at Fast.com or Speedtest.net. These will tell you how fast your internet is. You need at least 10 Mbps to have a good gaming experience. However, if other people are using the internet while you are gaming, this can significantly affect your gameplay.
Make sure you have a fast enough internet plan to support the number of users in the home. If several people are streaming movies or surfing the web, you might need a high-tier plan that offers faster download speeds and more bandwidth.
Reduce the number of connected devices
If several people are using the internet in your home, you may experience some lag. Not only does it affect your gaming, but the other devices connected to the network may also slow down. Try to choose a time when no one else is using the internet to play a game. This will allow your game to have all of the bandwidth it needs.
Move closer to the router
Moving your game console closer to the router, or moving the router to a more central area of your home may reduce game lag. This can be an issue if you have a larger home. Wifi signals can be blocked by walls and furniture, and cause a laggy game experience. If you can’t move the router or the console, you can try adding a wifi extender to help improve the range of your router.
Replace your router
If you’ve tried moving your game system closer to the router, you may need a better router. A good router can make a big difference when it comes to network connectivity. This is especially important for gaming. An outdated router may be what’s causing your internet lag.
If you are looking for a better gaming experience, it may be time to upgrade your router. A new router will provide better speed and lower latency. If you want to have a lag-free gaming experience, upgrading your router may be the best option.
Use an ethernet cord
The purpose of wireless internet is to not have to hook up your devices to wires. However, a wired connection may be better for gaming. If you experience lag frequently, connecting your game system to the internet with an ethernet cord may solve the problem. A wired connection is faster, more consistent, and less prone to interruptions and internet lag.
Check your TV settings
If you’re having lag issues with a game, it may not be the internet. Many newer smart TVs come with display settings that can cause delays. The issue is not with your internet connection, but with the television. Basically, it’s taking too long to show you the picture. You may have a high refresh rate that is causing your lag. Change your refresh settings to a standard 60 Hz.
If you want to make sure you have the best wifi for gaming, consider consulting with a professional. Intuitive AV offers wifi networking services. We can troubleshoot any networking issues so that you can enjoy your gaming without lag.
