Mass improvements in gaming technology throughout recent years have brought on the much-loved phenomenon of online gaming. Games such as Fortnite and League of Legends have taken the gaming community by storm - providing hours of fun-filled entertainment.
But, in order to enjoy these action-packed games on your PC or gaming console, you will need a high-speed internet plan that can keep up with your gaming requirements.
So, what is a good connection speed, what factors affect your home internet speed, and what are some ways you can improve it? HomeLinkd has all the answers you're looking for.
What Is Internet Speed?
Internet speed is the rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet, and vice versa. The faster your connection, the quicker you can load webpages, stream movies and download files.
There are two types of internet speed measurements: download and upload. Download speed refers to how quickly data can be pulled from the internet onto your device. Upload speed is just the opposite - it's a measure of how fast you can send data from your device back up to the internet.
Most people focus on their download speeds when they're testing their internet because that's what's important for most activities like web browsing, streaming and gaming. However, if you're regularly uploading large files or participating in video conferences, you'll also want to make sure your upload speeds are up to par.
What Are Some Factors That Affect Internet Speed?
Ping or Latency
Ping/Latency is the measure of how long it takes for a signal to be sent from your device to a server and back again. It's measured in milliseconds, and a low ping rate is what you're looking for when gaming because it indicates a more responsive connection.
Bandwidth
Your bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred to and from your device in a given period of time - usually one second. The higher your bandwidth, the more data you can move at once, so you'll be able to do more online activities without any lag.
Jitter
Jitter measures how much variation there is in latency (ping) over time. A high jitter means that connections are less reliable, and you're more likely to experience lag.
Packet Loss
Packet loss is the measure of how many data packets are being sent but not received. This often happens because of signal interference or a poor connection, and it can cause major issues when gaming because it results in choppy gameplay.
What Is A Good Internet Connection Type For Online Gaming?
There are several types of home internet connections, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of connection you have will affect your gaming speed, so it's important to know the difference.
Fiber Internet
Fiber is the newest and most advanced type of home internet connection. One of the fastest internet types available, it uses thin, flexible wires made of glass or plastic to deliver data directly to your home at lightning-fast speeds - up to 1,000 Megabits per second (Mbps).
Fiber is the best type of internet connection for gaming because it has low latency, high bandwidth and is very reliable. However, it's also the most expensive type of home internet connection.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is one of the most common types of home internet. It uses the same type of infrastructure as cable TV, which means it's widely available in most areas.
Cable internet is a good option for gamers because it usually has high speeds and low latency. However, it can be less reliable than other types of internet connections, and your speeds may vary depending on how many people are using the network at the same time.
Gaming Internet: How Many Mbps Is A Good Internet Speed For Gaming?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of game you're playing and how many people are using your connection.
For most games, you'll want an internet speed of at least 3 Mbps. However, for multiplayer games or games with large file sizes, you may need an internet speed of 10 Mbps or more.
To get the best gaming experience, we recommend that you have an internet speed of 25 Mbps or higher. This will allow you to play most games without any lag or interruptions.
Streaming Online Games: How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?
If you want to stream your gameplay, you'll need a fast internet connection. For a good gaming performance, the recommended internet speed for gaming is 1 Mbps. But we at HomeLinkd recommend a minimum internet speed of at least 5 Mbps.
For 720p HD video streaming, you'll need an internet speed of 25 Mbps. For 1080p HD video streaming, you'll need an internet speed of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
To get the best quality and avoid buffering, we recommend that you have a broadband internet speed of 50 Mbps or higher.
What Download Speed and Upload Speed Should I Look For To Enhance My Gaming Experience?
When choosing an internet plan for gaming, you should look for a plan with high download speeds and low latency.
For most games, you'll want a download speed 5 Mbps. However, for multiplayer games or games with large file sizes, you may need a download speed of 25 Mbps or more.
To get the best quality and avoid buffering, we recommend that you have an download speed of 50 Mbps or higher.
When it comes to upload speed for gaming, you'll want a plan with an upload speed of at least 3 Mbps. This will allow you to stream your gameplay without any lag or interruptions.
To get the best quality and avoid buffering, we recommend that you have an upload speed of 10 Mbps or higher.
Which Internet Service Provider Is Better For Gaming?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your location, the type of game you're playing and how many people are using your connection.
In general, we recommend that you choose an internet service provider (ISP) that offers high speeds and low latency. However, the best ISP for gaming will vary depending on your specific needs.
If you're looking for an ISP that offers great speeds and low latency, we recommend that you check out AT&T Fiber, Comcast Xfinity or EarthLink, these internet providers offer some of the best gaming broadband speeds in the country.
Tips To Improve My Bandwidth For A Better Online Gaming Experience
Run A Speed Test
The first step is to find out your current internet speeds. You can do this by running a speed test.
We recommend that you run a speed test at least once a week to keep track of your speeds and make sure you're getting the best gaming experience possible.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
If you're not happy with your current speeds, you may want to consider upgrading your internet plan.
Most ISPs offer different tiers of service, so you may be able to get a higher speed by paying a little more each month.
Use A Wired Connection
If you're using a wireless connection, we recommend that you switch to a wired connection. Wireless connections are subject to interference, which can cause lag and interruptions in your gameplay.
A wired connection, such as plugging your device into an ethernet cable, will provide you with a more stable and reliable connection.
Restart Your Router And Gaming Devices
If you're experiencing lag or interruptions in your gameplay, we recommend that you restart your router. This will clear any temporary issues that may be causing problems with your connection.
Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause lag and other issues with your gaming experience. We recommend that you update your drivers on a regular basis to ensure that you're getting the best possible performance.
Get The Best Internet Speed For Online Gaming With HomeLinkd
Needing a faster internet connection for playing online games is essential to get the best gaming experience possible. HomeLinkd offers deals from the best providers in the country - we don't believe in slow internet bandwidth.
Need a lot of speed? Our provider plans reach up to 1,000 Mbps - meaning whether you're into PC gaming, competitive gaming or just enjoying a Twitch live stream - we have a deal that's perfect for you.
Get the speed you need with HomeLinkd, browse our deals, today.
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
Discover the Best Plans for You
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.