How To Reduce Internet Lag

Let's wind the clock a few years back. Computer gaming, in India, usually meant playing single-player PC games locally, such as Need For Speed or Super Mario. At most, you could play multiplayer games on LAN (Local Area Network), such as Counter-Strike.

Online gaming was relatively unheard of, and even if you had the resources to set up an online game, playing it was associated with sluggish internet speeds and lag. However, that changed drastically due to two main reasons.

First — the internet becoming more widely available and faster than ever before. Second — the rise in popularity of online gaming, with games like PUBG and Fortnite becoming household names.

Today, online gaming is not just a craze but an industry in its own right. The Indian online gaming market is now worth $3 billion, with the potential to grow exponentially. However, many players, whether casual or professional, still aren't able to unleash their true potential and enjoy the gaming experience because of one major obstacle: internet lag due to slow connections.

Thus, to help gamers make the most of their online gaming experience, this blog offers valuable tips that can help reduce lag on the internet for gaming as well as decide the best WiFi connection for home to get a smoother gaming experience. So, let’s get right into it!

What Is Internet Lag?

First and foremost, we need to understand what internet lag for gaming is. In simple terms, it’s a delay in the communication between your computer and the game servers. This can cause rubber-banding, unresponsive commands, stuck loading screens, and more.

It's important to note that there are two main causes of internet lag for gaming: server lag and client lag. Server lag occurs when there is an issue on the game server's end, while client lag occurs when your computer isn't able to process the data quickly enough.

Both of these factors can affect the gaming experience and make it nearly impossible to play. Thus, it is important to have minimum internet lag for gaming for an enjoyable gaming experience.

How to Reduce Internet Lag?

Now that we understand what internet lag is, let’s talk about how we can reduce it. Here are some tips:

Check Your Internet Connection/WiFi For Gaming

Before diving into gameplay, it's crucial to ensure your internet connection is up to par. This step is fundamental because stable and fast internet for gaming is the foundation for a lag-free gaming experience.

Speed Test

Running a speed test helps you understand the quality of your connection. Use online speed test tools, such as Speedtest, to measure your ping, download, and upload speeds. Ping is especially important for gaming, as it represents the delay between your input and the server's response. Ideally, you want a low ping for minimal lag.

Wired vs. Wireless

Consider how you're connecting to the internet for gaming. Wired connections, through Ethernet cables, are generally more reliable than WiFi for gaming. They provide a consistent and low-latency connection. Wireless connections, while convenient, can be susceptible to interference and signal drop-offs, leading to lag spikes.

Optimize Your Network Hardware

Once you've assessed your internet connection, the next step in reducing online gaming lag is to optimize your network hardware. These adjustments can significantly improve the consistency and reliability of your connection. Here are some hardware settings to take care of:

Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

Most modern routers offer QoS settings, which allow you to prioritize WiFi for gaming traffic over other internet activities. By configuring QoS to give your gaming device higher priority, you can reduce lag caused by network congestion.

Channel Selection

Routers operate on different WiFi channels, and interference can occur if neighbouring routers are on the same channel. Access your WiFi settings for gaming to select a less congested channel, reducing the chances of signal interference and lag.

If these adjustments don’t provide the performance you need, consider upgrading your router. Choose a newer router with better performance and features like MU-MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology for improved wireless performance.

Further read: 5 WiFi Router For Frustration Free Home Network

Or, if you're using a wired connection, ensure you have high-quality Ethernet cables. Low-quality cables can lead to packet loss and increased latency. Invest in Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cables for maximum reliability.

Close Unnecessary Background Applications

One often-overlooked aspect of reducing internet lag for gaming online is managing your computer's resources effectively by closing unnecessary background applications. These applications consume valuable system resources and bandwidth, which can lead to increased latency during gameplay.

Identify Resource-Hungry Programs

Begin by identifying which applications are running in the background and consuming CPU, memory, or network resources. Common culprits include web browsers with multiple tabs, streaming services, and software updates.

Disable or Close These Applications Before Gaming

Once you've identified the resource-intensive applications, disable or close them before starting your gaming session. This action frees up system resources and network bandwidth for your game, ensuring a smoother gaming experience with reduced lag.

Choose the Right Gaming Server

Selecting the appropriate gaming server is a pivotal step in minimizing online gaming lag. Your choice can significantly impact your gaming experience, so consider the following factors when making your decision:

Selecting Servers with Low Ping

Prioritize servers with the lowest ping values. A lower ping indicates less delay between your actions and the server's response. Many games provide ping information for each server, allowing you to make an informed choice.

Regions and Server Locations

Be mindful of the geographical location of the servers. Opt for servers closer to your physical location to reduce the distance your data must travel. This can result in lower latency and a more responsive gaming experience.

Joining Less Populated Servers

Servers with fewer players often have less network congestion. While it might be tempting to join a highly populated server for action-packed gameplay, these servers can lead to increased lag due to high player traffic. Consider joining less populated servers for a smoother gaming experience.

Optimize In-Game Settings

Optimizing in-game settings is a crucial step to further reduce internet lag and ensure a seamless gaming experience. Game settings can impact both graphics performance and network latency. Here's how to fine-tune them:

Graphics Settings

Adjust the game's resolution to match your monitor's native resolution. Lowering it can improve performance but may not affect network lag directly. Lower graphics settings like texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing for a smoother experience, especially if your hardware struggles with high settings.

Lowering In-Game Latency Settings

Disable vertical sync (V-Sync) to reduce input lag. V-Sync synchronizes your frame rate with your monitor's refresh rate, which can add delay. Limit the game's frame rate to a level that your hardware can consistently maintain. A stable frame rate can result in a more predictable gaming experience.

Reduce Background Processes

Close any additional background processes that may consume CPU and network resources. If possible, temporarily disable your antivirus software and other programs that are not essential to the gameplay.

Troubleshooting Common Lag Issues

Even with the best preparations, lag issues can still arise in online gaming. Knowing how to troubleshoot and address these problems promptly can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. Here are steps to troubleshoot common lag issues:

Packet Loss

Monitor for sudden interruptions or irregularities in gameplay. Packet loss often causes players to teleport or experience delayed actions. Check for faulty cables or hardware, and consider contacting your internet service provider (ISP) if packet loss persists. It may be necessary to upgrade your router or modem.

Jitter

Look out for inconsistent ping or fluctuating latency. Jitter can lead to erratic character movements and gameplay disruptions. Ensure that your network hardware is functioning correctly and try using a wired connection to reduce jitter. Consider using a gaming VPN to stabilize your connection if the issue persists.

High Ping

If you notice a consistently high ping, this can result in delayed responses to your commands. Close bandwidth-intensive applications running in the background, select servers with lower ping and ensure your internet connection is stable. If the problem continues, contact your ISP to address latency issues.

Reduce Lag With High-Speed Internet For Gaming From ACT

When it comes to online gaming, a stable and high-speed internet connection is often the difference between victory and frustration. ACT, one of India's leading internet service providers, offers gamers an excellent solution for reducing lag and enhancing the gaming experience.

Blazing-Fast Speeds

ACT provides high-speed internet packages that are designed to handle the demands of modern online gaming. With ACT, you can enjoy ultra-fast download and upload speeds, ensuring that your gameplay is smooth and responsive. Say goodbye to lag-induced losses and delayed reactions.

Low Latency

In gaming, low latency or ping is critical. ACT's high-speed internet is optimized for low latency, reducing the delay between your actions and the server's response. This means you can react quickly to in-game events and gain a competitive edge over opponents.

Stable Connection

ACT's reliable and stable connection means you won't experience sudden drops or disconnects during crucial gaming moments. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters or participating in online tournaments, a dependable connection is essential.

High Bandwidth

Online gaming often requires a considerable amount of bandwidth, especially if you're streaming or downloading updates simultaneously. ACT's high-speed plans offer generous bandwidth, ensuring you can game without worrying about bandwidth limits.

Coverage

ACT's internet services are available in various cities and towns across the country, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers. ACT currently serves around two million homes and businesses in India.

Customer Support

ACT's friendly customer support team is available 24/7 to help you with any issue related to your connection or service plan. They will ensure your gaming experience is always enjoyable and hassle-free. Additionally, ACT provides a variety of self-help resources through its website and app.

Free WiFi For Gaming

Several ACT plans offer a free WiFi router with the latest hardware and software to make gaming from any corner of the house easy and convenient. With the free WiFi router, you can enjoy lag-free gaming with your friends and family without compromising on network speed.

Tips For Ensuring The Best WiFi Connection For Home For Gaming Purposes

Almost every home in India now has a WiFi network but it is important to give your gaming experience an extra edge by optimizing the connection. Here are some tips to have the best WiFi connection for gaming:

1. Place your router away from any interference such as cordless phones, microwaves and other electronic devices.

2. Place your router at the centre of your home and make sure nothing is blocking the signal. Moreover, place the router in an elevated position to ensure maximum coverage.

3. Upgrade your router if it is too old and does not support the latest technology, as modern routers have better range, and connection speed and boost WiFi signal for extended range.

4. Use a dual-band router for better performance with more options for frequency optimization. Opt for 5 GHz frequency bands if other devices are using the 2.4 GHz band as it will provide you with more bandwidth.

5. Use a WiFi extender to increase the range of your WiFi connection. These are devices that help boost the signal and provide better coverage in larger areas.

6. You can also opt for a mesh system for faster connections with less lag time. Mesh systems use multiple access points, which work together to form one strong connection across your home. With this setup, you will be able to enjoy faster speeds and improved coverage.

Wrapping Up

Internet lag can become a frustrating issue, but thankfully there are several steps you can take, such as the ones mentioned above, to ensure a lag-free gaming experience. Moreover, with ACT's high-speed internet for gaming plans, you can rest assured that you will always have the best internet connection possible for gaming online. Contact us today and experience the difference for yourself.