Unless you are a true tech expert, broadband connections for gaming can be confusing. For starters, most people think a fast internet connection is the most important thing, but it's not. In fact, there are many "facts" about broadband connections for gaming, and not all of them are true.
You need high-speed internet and bandwidth to play properly - Myth
Many people assume that you need ultra-fast internet to be able to play properly. But this is not necessarily the case. While it is very important, it also depends on how many devices and activities you or someone else will be doing through the same connection at the same time.
Let's break this down by defining bandwidth. Bandwidth is defined as "the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted through an Internet provider over a given period of time." That is, it is the amount of data that can be transferred from the Internet to your computer/console and vice versa at any given time. The greater the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred.
So, is it safe to assume that more bandwidth means faster internet speed? Not necessarily. More bandwidth simply means that your broadband connection can handle more internet activities at once.
Surprisingly, games don't require that much bandwidth, usually no more than 0.1 MB. After all, people used to be able to play with a 56K modem, so if you're just gaming, you won't need a lot of bandwidth to be able to play smoothly and without lag. It won't make your game faster.
However, if you or someone else in your household is going to be doing heavy online activities, such as streaming videos on Netflix and YouTube or video chatting on Zoom, your game will suffer serious lag unless you have higher bandwidth. This is because downloading and streaming require more data to be transferred, while gaming does not require much at all. Streaming will take up a lot more "space" and this will affect game speed.
So, what really matters when gaming, in terms of broadband? Ping rates. Ping rates are incredibly important for gaming, because it's the speed at which information is sent from your computer/console to the game servers and vice versa. The lower the ping, the faster the speed and the smoother the game. Bandwidth doesn't help with this. Here's how to improve your ping.
Games require a lot of data - Myth
This is related to the previous myth about bandwidth. Many people assume that games require a lot of data, so if you have more than one person playing in your house, you should expect some lag, right?
Surprisingly, no. Games use very little data and take up very little bandwidth, so you can have more than one person in your house playing at the same time and the game will still be smooth.
What you do need to consider are downloads and streaming. Remember the previous point where we talked about bandwidth? You can have several people playing without problems in your house, but if someone comes along and starts streaming a video or downloading a patch, you're going to see a difference. This is because downloading requires a lot of data.
So, while you won't need a lot of data for gaming, you will need it if you're downloading new games, patches, or streaming videos.
The type of connection you have affects your gaming - Truth
This is true: different broadband connections affect your gaming. The three most common types are Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, and fiber optic.
DSL
DSL uses your telephone line to provide high-speed internet but, unlike dial-up, it uses different frequencies for phone and internet, so you can use both at the same time.
Compared to the other two types of broadband connections, DSL is usually the slowest. Download speeds range from 1Mbps to 6Mbps, which means you can do basic tasks like browsing the web, sending emails, and streaming music and videos. You can game with DSL, but if there are other devices connected to your WiFi, your game will be affected.
Cable
Cable internet service uses cables, not phone lines like DSL, to deliver high-speed internet. Cable is usually faster than DSL, offering maximum download speeds of 100Mbps to 300Mbps. However, this is often much faster than what normal households need, even with multiple connected devices, so lower speed tiers (starting from 15-25Mbps) are sufficient.
Fiber Optic
Fiber optic cabling is the future. It uses light and glass fibers transmit data much faster and more efficiently than traditional copper cables. Unfortunately, fiber is not as widespread as copper cabling, especially in rural communities.
In addition, you have to consider the house's own connections. For example, cables connecting the router to the console or computer ensure a stable internet connection, but the cables themselves are clunky and get in the way. Wireless connections are convenient, but they are very susceptible to interference (e.g., from other electronic devices or wireless signals), which can cause lag. The distance between the computer and the router can also have a negative effect.
Plastic optical fiber is a good alternative in these cases as it allows you to play with a cable in any type of house, as it can be installed using electrical connections.
You can't fix game lag - Myth
Game lag (slow game and graphics) can be caused by various reasons, including hardware and software problems or connection problems. However, it is usually due to the route your ISP (Internet service provider) takes to reach the game server. The more optimal the route, the faster the game's response.
But the Internet is not built exclusively for gaming, so typically, most providers tend to take longer routes. Or, it encounters congestion along the way (like other people draining the Internet due to watching Netflix or downloading music). This affects your game's performance and causes lag.
This can be easily fixed by finding an optimal route that can withstand more congestion. Better broadband can help with this. By improving the quality of your broadband, you can experience better internet stability, faster speeds, and a connection that can handle multiple devices without affecting your game.
Improve your gaming with better broadband
Lag and patchy, unstable connections are just two of the things gamers hate to experience. If you want to have the best gaming experience, you'll need better broadband.
Find out how you can use a wired connection without having to do any work, without leaving cables in the middle of the house or poorly hidden, with Plastic Optical Fiber.
