If you’re a network gamer, you know how frustrating it can be to experience game disconnections and lag. This is usually caused by low internet speed or high latency. When this happens, your game action will be delayed. But there are ways to get better internet speeds for your games.
Ethernet cable
Choosing a suitable Ethernet cable for gaming is a big decision. You will want to maximize speed and stability for the best gaming experience. The length of your line is also essential. If it’s too long, you may suffer from signal loss. Remember that ethernet cables can only carry signals up to 328 feet.
You’ll want a Cat 6 or Cat 7 cable for gaming. These cables are better for higher-speed connections than older Cat 5e cables. A Cat 6 cable can handle up to 1,000 Mbps. For future-proofing, you should get a Cat 8 cable.
Another tip for speeding up your gaming connection is to move your system to a spot where it can be closer to the router. This will reduce network congestion and allow for a better gaming experience. Moreover, moving your router to a more accessible location will help distribute the WiFi signal more evenly.
While playing online games requires a small amount of data, higher bandwidth will improve your gaming experience. This is especially important if you have multiple users on the same network. A slow connection will make other users’ gaming experience suffer. Additionally, you will need a faster internet connection to download games and post-release content.
Another way to optimize your internet for gaming is to use an Ethernet cable. This will allow you to experience faster speeds and lower lag than a wireless connection.
WiFi extender
WiFi extenders are available in various styles and sizes, with varying performance levels. Cheaper models usually offer low speeds and fewer features. But if you’re a heavy gamer, you may want to invest in a higher-end model. You can also buy gaming routers to extend your WiFi connection range.
The main thing to look for in a WiFi extender is compatibility with your existing wireless router. While WiFi is a standard technology, manufacturers use different terms and design features, which can cause problems and slowdowns. Make sure you select a model compatible with your current router, as this will eliminate the need for cross-reference and customer support.
A WiFi extender can improve your gaming experience, but there are some drawbacks. They can cause lag and can’t compete with a high-end router. They’re best suited for games that don’t require a lot of bandwidth, such as RPGs and turn-based strategy games. If you want to play fast-paced games, however, you’ll likely have a problem with lag. As a result, your game performance may suffer.
WiFi extenders can enhance coverage and increase speed. However, they also add a layer of delay, so they’re not recommended for fast-paced games. And since lag is more familiar with less expensive WiFi extenders, they may not be the best choice for gaming. It’s important to remember that high-speed gaming requires a high-speed WiFi connection. A WiFi extender can solve this problem.
Multi-user MIMO
Multi-user MIMO technology improves internet speeds for multiple users. A WiFi 6 AP and several clients were placed in various cubicles in a test set. Then, software was used to simulate numerous employees downloading large files or a software upgrade rolling out to several laptops. The results showed that the total downlink and uplink throughput more than doubled.
Multi-user MIMO improves network speed by allowing a router to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This dramatically increases network speed since there is no need to wait for each device to download or send information. Switching to an MU-MIMO network is an intelligent move for networks with ten or more machines. It also increases gaming and streaming performance.
Another benefit of Multi-user MIMO is that it reduces the time each device needs to wait for a signal. This feature is handy for gaming and other activities requiring large bandwidth. The time it takes for a gaming device to download a file is dramatically reduced.
Another way to optimize your network speed for gaming is to optimize the router. This is a simple process that only requires a few steps. First, perform a speed test. This will allow you to see where your network is most vital. This can help you decide where to set up your gaming device.
Port forwarding
Playing online games may make you wonder whether port forwarding will benefit your gaming experience. Port forwarding is generally safe, provided you apply standard Internet security measures such as using trusted download sources and setting up your router’s security. However, you should always consult your tech support representative before port forwarding.
To configure port forwarding, go to Settings>Port Range Forwarding. You’ll find a table with recommended settings. These settings will vary based on the game or console you’re using. For example, Sony recommends opening specific ports for the best gaming experience. This applies to both TCP and UDP directions.
Port forwarding can also help with load time. This can be beneficial for games that rely on peer-to-peer connections. This option allows ensuring that all devices on the same network can connect. Games like Fortnite, however, require the use of a central server.
While port forwarding is not required for most gaming use cases, it is essential for hosting dedicated game servers and online multiplayer gaming. In particular, RUST, a gaming server, requires port forwarding to accept out-of-network connections. Learning about port forwarding can help manage your game servers if you’re operating a game server.
One of the downsides of port forwarding is the increased risk of cyberattacks. If you’re using port forwarding without a VPN, this increases the chance of getting hacked. A VPN can significantly reduce this risk.
