If you’re an avid gamer, you’re probably well aware of how important it is having the latest gadgets and tech at your disposal. From top spec headsets and gaming PCs to specialist gaming chairs, having the very best tech is one way for you to take your gaming to the next level! However, having all the top gamer gadgets in the world won’t do much good if you don’t have decent broadband to go with it! Many gamers will know the perils of a patchy connection while you’re well immersed in an MMO or trying to download that latest update, and it’s definitely not what you want when you’re trying to enjoy some downtime after a busy day. And let’s be honest, your housemates or your partner probably don’t want to hear you shouting into your headset either!
Whether you’re streaming on your PC or playing via a console, having a strong connection is a must to ensure that your gaming experience is an enjoyable one. With the arrival of the PS5 now just mere months away, there’s never been a better time to make sure your broadband is up to scratch and ready for your shiny new console. But what exactly should you be looking for when it comes to gamer-friendly broadband?
Speed
Let’s start with the obvious one – speed. The buzz you feel when you finally complete a level is a wonderful thing, but there’s nothing worse than when you have to wait for the latest patch to download before you can move onto the next one. Similarly, falling victim to your game lagging because someone else in the house is streaming a film on the same connection isn’t what you want when you’re fully immersed in some intense gaming action. Generally, gamers will need a connection of at least 20Mbps as it’ll be able to support downloads, multiplayers, streaming, you name it.
Latency
If we delve further, another reason for lagging is down to high ping (or latency to give it the full name) – something which many hardcore gamers will have felt the wrath of at some point or another! While there’s plenty of factors that can affect ping, with everything from issues with your router to the location of the server you’re playing on, your broadband can also have an effect too. By upgrading your broadband to a package that offers enough bandwidth to support gaming as well as other devices in the household, this is a straightforward way to reduce ping and enjoy a smooth gaming experience. Generally, a ping rate below 150ms is a good one, but with Fibernet Broadband, we’ve been known to get our customers to Fifa, COD and Dota2 (and many more!) in around 2ms. The bottom line? High-speed internet and low latency is the winning combination you need, and with our packages, that’s what you’ll get.
Reliability & Peak Times
For many of us, spending a good couple of hours on our beloved console or gaming PC after a hard day’s work is just what we need to switch off for a bit. However, if your gaming sessions are usually scheduled for the evenings and weekends, you might find yourself falling victim to a slower connection during these peak times. Not ideal if you want to make your way through a bit of GTA V at the weekend! Rest assured though, our full fiber broadband features some of the most advanced tech around, giving you a speedy performance no matter what time you start your session.
Data Limit
Avid gamers will know the importance of an unlimited data plan when it comes to your broadband package. There’s plenty of providers out that offer “unlimited” downloads, but in some cases you’ll come across hidden charges in the small print, so it’s important to make sure that unlimited actually means unlimited! Fibernet broadband plans offer unlimited data along with no hidden charges, so they’ll allow you to enjoy hours of gaming without the worry of getting stung with a huge bill afterwards. Weekend gaming marathon anyone?
Type of Connection
By now, we all know that fibre broadband is best, but there’s actually a bit more to it. Most internet providers use a Fibre-to-the-Cabinet connection (FTTC), which uses a combination of fibre optic cables and copper wires. The fibre optic cable runs from the data centre to the street cabinet, but the broadband you get in your home is still delivered through the copper wires. Pretty sneaky if you ask us!
We use a Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) with our broadband, and this uses the most advanced technology, delivering your internet only through fibre optic cables. What does this mean for gamers? Well, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable connection for starters, and there’s also the benefit of speedier downloads and uploads. We aim to please!
Having a fast, strong and reliable broadband connection can certainly make for a seamless gaming experience. Not only does it mean you’ll be connected through every single piece of the action, but you’ll be able to enjoy faster, higher quality content each time too. Whether you’re investing in the new PS5 later this year, fully committed to your XBox One X or dabble in a mixture of devices, top quality internet will ensure that you can enjoy a smooth, flawless experience every single time. Happy gaming!