You did the homework and got the best internet near you. Now, out of nowhere, it has started to struggle to hold up its ping and latency. Is there something wrong on your provider’s end? Or is it something to do with your computer? That must be confusing, the way it was to me when I just started gaming.
There could be multiple reasons for such hiccups. I have written this content to help you understand such hiccups and provide you with solutions. Read on to discover what causes slow internet speed and how you can fix it.
Reasons for Slow Internet Speed
Before we jump into solutions, let me walk you through what could be the reasons for your slow internet speed. Because, honestly, knowing the enemy is half the battle.
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Too Many Devices Connected to the Same Network
You might not even know, but your home network is probably busier than a group chat on a Friday night. Phones, smart TVs, tablets, and that one neighbor who might have your WiFi password are all fighting for the same bandwidth. Literally, when I checked the number of devices connected to my network, two of them were my neighbors.
You should know that gaming demands a stable connection, and when too many devices are hogging the Wi-Fi, your ping and latency can take a serious hit. It’s not that your router can’t handle it; it’s just like you are asking it to do too much at once.
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Device Driver Needs Update
If your gaming performance feels like it is stuck in the 90s, don’t overlook the basics. It could be that your system’s drivers are not updated.
Your PC or gaming console relies on its drivers to communicate with the internet. And when those drivers are outdated, it’s like trying to shout through a sock, but that is totally not ideal.
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Internet Cables Are Damaged
This one can be easily ignored because you are not constantly checking on the cables. You might have all the right gear, but if your Ethernet cables, or even the ones leading from the modem, are worn out, frayed, or bent beyond recognition, your connection will suffer. So, check them, replace them if needed, and don’t trust that ancient blue cable you found in a drawer.
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Network Problem from Provider’s End
Sometimes, the issue really isn’t your fault (finally, right?). Your ISP might be having one of these problems: network congestion, maintenance work, or technical issues. But that is not your fault at all.
If your internet was like a cheetah yesterday and it’s a turtle out of water today, check with your provider before tearing your setup apart. Talk to your internet provider on a quick call before doing anything else. Trust me, it will save you a lot of guesswork, leading to problems.
How to Fix Your Internet for Optimal Gaming Experience
Alright, now that I have explained the potential problems, let’s talk about solutions. These fixes won’t require you to be a master at them, but they will help you increase the speed of your setup.
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Connect with the Nearest Server
When you’re gaming online, your data is traveling across the internet to a game server. And the farther that server is, the more lag you’re likely to experience. So, what can you do?
Most games let you choose or automatically connect to a nearby server. If not, poke around in the settings or do a quick web search (or ask ChatGPT) for your game’s server regions. Connecting to the nearest one can significantly reduce your ping and give you that buttery-smooth gameplay you want.
While doing so, ensure that you also have the speed and bandwidth for it. You can easily go with Spectrum for its great speeds and no data cap plans. Simply connect with Spectrum customer service to get your plan today.
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Reduce the Number of Connected Devices
Remember the bandwidth battle I told you about earlier? It’s time I helped you solve that problem.
Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you’re not using, ask your roommate to pause their 4K Netflix binge (or at least switch to HD), and if you want full control, set up parental controls or device prioritization on your router. Every device you disconnect gives your game more room to breathe.
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Make Ethernet Cables Your Friend While Gaming
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always the most reliable. WiFi signals can be distorted by other factors, like magnetic fields created around electrical appliances in your home. The solution is an Ethernet cable that is not affected by magnetic fields much.
An Ethernet cable gives you a direct line to the router, cutting out interference and instability. Now, you’ll probably thank me mid-match when you’re still alive while everyone else lagged out.
Last but not least, let me give you a pro tip to conclude this content piece: if you can move the router around, pick it up, and take it to the room where you play games. This will solve half of the problems by manually prioritizing your system while providing an okay-ish connection to the rest of the devices.
