Gaming internet

Gig speed internet is the best internet for gaming because it enables higher internet speeds that drastically reduce bandwidth. If you’re a competitive gamer or an avid Twitch viewer, you’ll want a Gigabit connection to keep up with bandwidth requirements.

Depending on the game you play, online gaming uses anywhere from 40MB to 300MB per hour. The bigger consideration is how many other devices are using your internet at the same time. If you also have household members streaming shows, working from home, or smart devices keeping your home running, that takes up a good chunk of your broadband. With Gig internet, you can continue gaming without dropping frames while other devices are connected.

Upload and download speed are important in gaming because they determine the speed at which data is transferred. The upload speeds are the rate at which your device sends data to a server hosting the game while the download speeds tracks the speed at which your computer receives data from the server. Higher upload and download speeds help keep your game running smoothly, which is why fiber-based Gig internet is so beneficial to online gaming.

If you are gaming online the best way to experience lower latencies is by directly connecting an Ethernet cable (Cat 5 or 6 is recommended) from your modem to your device. This is because a wired connection is faster and more reliable than a wireless connection.

However, if you are playing on a wireless connection you can reduce latency and lag is by optimizing your WiFi. Start by preventing WiFi interference by placing your router in an open space towards the center of the house, reducing the number of devices on your WiFi, and cleaning your devices of viruses or malware. Your modems may also need to be updated.

You may consider a whole home WiFi solution — like eero — to help extend your internet’s reach to every corner of your home. If you’ve taken steps to increase your WiFi speeds and it isn’t working, re-evaluate what internet is best for your household. With more WiFi use, it may be time to upgrade your internet.

The recommended modem for gaming and streaming is DOCSIS 3.0 / 3.1. These modems are best for high-speed internet, such as Gig services. With the modem, you’ll have an increased transmission range and sensitivity for quality gaming performance.