Choosing The Best Broadband For Gaming: Key Factors To Consider

Gaming is not only fun, but it can provide an opportunity to make money through streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.

If you’re an online gamer, you know that the quality of your broadband connection can make or break your gaming experience. So, let’s discuss the most important factors you should consider to choose the best broadband for gaming.

Key factors to consider when choosing the best broadband for gaming

Internet speed

Although most gaming console manufacturers recommend a minimum internet speed of 3Mbps-5Mbps for a smooth gaming experience, it can vary depending on the game you’re playing.

Generally, you should opt for a broadband connection that offers 15 Mbps (or above) of downloading speed. It’ll allow you to download large game files quickly and reduce wait times to get back to gaming.

Additionally, it’s also important to check the upload speed that the broadband provider offers. That’s because many games, especially multiplayer ones, also require a decent upload speed to send data back to the server.

A higher upload speed means that your actions in the game are registered quickly, which can improve your performance. Ideally, go for a broadband plan that offers 5-10 Mbps of uploading speed, especially for competitive games.

Latency and ping

In simple words, latency is the time that data takes to travel from your gaming device to the game server and back. It’s measured in ms (milliseconds), and the lower it is the better for real-time gaming.

Whereas, ping is a measure of your internet connection’s latency, and lower ping times result in more responsive gaming.

Here are the general guidelines for ping requirements that you can use:

• Ideal Experience: Under 25ms
• Acceptable: 25ms-60ms
• Occasional Lag: 60ms-100ms
• Frequent Lag: 100ms-150ms
• Unplayable: Above 150ms

Data cap

Most online games use around 50mb to 100mb data in an hour but some modern ones like Fortnite and DOTA 2 can take even more. If you play games multiple hours a day, then you should opt for a broadband plan with unlimited data.

Keep in mind that an internet connection with a data cap can negatively affect your gaming experience. That’s because it can lead to reduced speeds or additional charges once you exceed the limit.

Stable connectivity

Stable connectivity is another important factor to consider when looking for broadband for gaming. Without it, you’ll face frustrating disconnections and fluctuations in your internet connection, making online games unplayable.

To ensure a smooth gaming experience, it’s essential to choose a broadband provider that’s known for reliable service and minimal downtime. You can achieve this by reading online reviews from previous customers and checking service ratings.

QoS

QoS stands for Quality of Service, and it’s an invaluable feature available on many modern routers. It allows you to prioritize a certain type of traffic, like gaming data, over other types.

Doing this helps you make sure that your gaming sessions remain smooth even if other devices on your network are streaming videos or downloading files.

So, it’s a smart move to check if your broadband provider supports QoS or consider investing in a router that does.

Connection type

The type of internet connection you have can greatly affect your gaming experience. Here are the main types available in the market.

• Fiber Optic: This broadband is considered the gold standard for gaming because it offers the highest speeds and lowest latency. If fiber optic is available in your area, it’s the best choice.
• Cable: Cable internet is widely available and typically offers good speeds and reliability. However, speeds can vary depending on the number of users in your area. It also makes for a good choice, especially if fiber optic isn’t available.
• DSL: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is less ideal for gaming due to its lower speeds and higher latency compared to fiber and cable. However, it might suit casual gamers who don’t play competitive games.
• Satellite: Generally, satellite internet should be avoided for gaming because it has high latency and low speeds. It’s only recommended if you live in a remote area with no other options.

Router and equipment

The equipment you use plays a critical role in your broadband experience, especially for gaming. Many broadband providers supply a basic router with their packages, which might not be the best option for gaming.

So, before finalizing your broadband deal, discuss your needs with the provider and determine if it’s possible to get a gaming router. Consider going for a model that supports advanced features like QoS, dual-band Wi-Fi, and strong signal coverage.

Additionally, use an ethernet cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi. It’ll also enhance your connection stability and speed for an improved gaming experience.