▾Are lag and high ping ruining your online gaming experience? Find out what internet speed is really needed for a smooth gaming experience and how to optimize your connection. We'll reveal tips on router settings, the impact of latency on different game genres, and other useful advice to help you become the master of virtual battlefields.
Online gaming is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the digital world. Whether you play on a console, computer, or mobile device, the key to a smooth experience is a stable and fast internet connection. However, you should also pay attention to latency. Ensure a full-fledged gaming experience with us under any circumstances.
Recommended internet speed for online gaming
You don't always need a gigabit connection for smooth online gaming. While higher speeds are beneficial especially when downloading large game files or streaming in 4K resolution, you can get by with less while gaming.
Most providers and experts recommend the following minimum speeds:
- For single-player games – at least 3 Mbps for download and 1 Mbps for upload,
- For multiplayer games – at least 5 Mbps for download and 3 Mbps for upload.
Higher connection speed obviously improves the gaming experience by allowing faster download of updates and minimizing outages. For a consistent experience in popular games like "Call of Duty" or "Fortnite," your connection should reach at least 15–25 Mbps.
The impact of latency on the gaming experience
Latency, often referred to as ping, measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms) and directly affects how quickly your actions in the game respond to server inputs.
Lower latency means a smoother gaming experience, while higher values can cause delayed responses and lag.
Recommended latency values for different game types:
- Up to 20 ms – ideal for competitive games (e.g., shooters, racing simulators),
- 20–50 ms – acceptable for most game genres,
- 50–100 ms – may cause slight delays in reactions, noticeable especially in fast-paced games,
- Over 100 ms – problematic values that can significantly deteriorate the gaming experience.
Latency can be influenced by various factors, such as connection quality, distance from game servers, and network congestion. When choosing an internet service provider, you should consider not only speed but also connection stability and the level of latency the provider offers.
Tips for setting up your router for online gaming
Router settings can play a crucial role in optimizing your gaming network. Even if you have a fast connection, an improperly configured router can cause high latency, lag, or outages.
Therefore, we've prepared a few tips on how to optimize your router settings for smooth gaming:
- Firmware update – Keeping your router up to date ensures that you have all the latest fixes and improvements for optimal performance.
- Wired connection – For the best performance when gaming online, always prefer a wired connection (Ethernet) over Wi-Fi. A wired connection offers a more stable signal and lower latency.
- QoS (Quality of Service) – Many modern routers offer a QoS feature, which allows you to prioritize traffic for a specific device or application, ideal for online games. With QoS, you ensure that your gaming traffic has priority over other activities on the home network, such as video streaming or downloading large files.
- Dedicated gaming channel – If you use Wi-Fi, choose a less congested channel. In busy areas (e.g., apartment buildings), some Wi-Fi channels can be overloaded, increasing latency. Using a Wi-Fi signal analysis tool will help you find the best channel.
- Router placement – Placing the router in the center of your home or near the gaming device ensures better signal. Avoid placing the router behind thick walls or in closed cabinets, which can hinder signal propagation.
- Disable unnecessary services – Your router may have various active services, such as VPN or firewall, that can slow down the connection. Consider turning them off while gaming.
To have the best gaming experience, it's important to have the network set up correctly. Monitor not only download and upload speeds but also latency, which can significantly affect game smoothness. A properly configured router, prioritization of gaming traffic, and a stable connection will ensure the best conditions for online gaming.
What will 6G internet bring – lightning-fast connection, smart cities, and artificial intelligence in the network
Mobile networks of the sixth generation will push the boundaries of communication and data transmission. 6G internet will offer speeds in the order of terabits, minimal delay, and integration with artificial intelligence. In the article, we explain how this technology works, how it differs from 5G, what frequencies it uses, and why it is essential for smart cities and modern industry.
Wireless charging: What are its benefits, limitations, and where is it heading?
Wireless charging has evolved from a luxury feature to a standard part of most modern phones. Simply place your mobile on the pad, and energy begins to flow without searching for a cable and connector. We explain how wireless charging works, what it entails, and why Qi and Qi2 technologies have become the new standard of convenience.
What is Wi-Fi 7? What changes does it bring and when does it make sense to switch
Today's home Wi-Fi network is under increasing pressure. It has to handle video calls, online gaming, and dozens of smart devices. The new Wi-Fi 7 standard offers a solution that takes wireless connectivity to the next level. We'll explain what this standard means in practice and why it might be crucial for the future of home and business networks.
What is DNS? Everything you need to know about its functionality and setup
When you type a website address into the browser, the correct page loads in an instant. This is managed by the DNS system, without which the internet as we know it would not exist at all. In this article, you will learn what DNS is, how it works, what types of records it contains, and why it is important for both speed and security of the connection.
How does fiber optic internet work and what do you need for its installation?
Fast and stable connection is a basic necessity in every household today. The solution is fiber optic internet, which works differently than regular cables and offers greater reliability to users. We'll explain how this technology works in practice, what it entails to run a fiber optic cable to your home, and what equipment you’ll need to keep everything running smoothly.
Cloud gaming – the end of consoles in sight?
Cloud gaming allows you to play games from anywhere without the need for expensive hardware. In this article, you'll learn how game streaming works, what advantages and limitations it brings, and which services are leading the way today. And most importantly: can it really threaten traditional consoles?