- Poor internet can create lag and ruin online gaming sessions.
- Unstable Wi-Fi connection may cause server disconnections during gameplay.
- Bad Wi-Fi may be caused by interference from other devices at times.
- An ethernet connection may reduce bad Wi-Fi problems and improve your gameplay session.
If you’re an online gamer, you must be aware that in online gaming every millisecond counts. Whether playing a first-person shooter, strategy, or exploration game, you need a fast internet connection. Many gamers however face lag, disconnections, and slow download speeds. The reason behind this may often be a poor Wi-Fi connection.
The Impact of Poor Internet Connection on Online Gaming
Lag and Latency
Latency or lag is bad for online gamers. Lag means a delay between your actions and their effect on the game. This can mean the difference between victory and defeat in fast-paced online games.
Latency, often measured in milliseconds (ms), refers to the time taken by data packets to travel from your device to the game server and back. When your Wi-Fi signals are weak or inconsistent, packets of data are delayed, causing a noticeable lag.
Slow Download and Upload Speeds
Online games often require downloading large updates and patches. Slow download speeds can lead to hours of wait. Weak upload speeds from poor Wi-Fi can affect your ability to stream and participate in voice chats. All of these issues combined can make your gaming session frustrating.
![Internet speed test](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_19-7-2024_21040_www.bing_.com-Copy-2.jpeg)
Packet Loss
Sometimes when gaming a weak internet connection may cause some data packets to fail to reach their destination. This causes missing information in the system which causes glitches, stuttering, or disconnection from the game server. A poor Wi-Fi connection often leads to higher rates of packet loss in turn affecting your gaming session.
Inconsistent Connection
Unstable Wi-Fi signals can cause disconnection from game servers. This becomes a big issue in competitive online games where you need consistent performance. You may lose progress, face penalties in ranked matches, or get kicked off due to poor internet.
![Connection lost](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/eft-connection-error.jpg)
How You Can Solve Bad Wi-Fi Issues
Switch to a Wired Ethernet Connection
One of the best ways to improve your internet is using an Ethernet cable. Unlike Wi-Fi, Ethernet provides a direct link to your router via cable. This can greatly reduce lag and packet loss. This stable connection ensures that your gaming data reaches the server quickly and consistently without delay or data loss.
![Connecting](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/what-ethernet-cord-do-you-need-hero-182148077.jpg)
Upgrade Your Router or Simply Power Cycle It
If using Wi-Fi, ensure your internet router is up to the task. The thing is that old routers may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards. This causes slow internet speeds and weak signals which hinder gameplay significantly.
Investing in a better router can make a big difference in internet speeds. Look for routers that support Wi-Fi 6. These routers offer better performance and can easily handle multiple devices.
If the internet connection is poor you can try to fix it by power cycling your internet router, this may make your internet speed and connection much better.
![Internet Router](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/489937.jpg)
Optimize Your Router Placement
The placement of your router may cause bad Wi-Fi signals. Ensure your router is centrally located in your home and elevated off the ground. Also, avoid placing your router near walls or metallic objects as that can mess up the signals.
![Router Attached to a Wall](https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/noname-2.jpg)
If you have a big home try using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks for a strong and reliable connection. You can also try using a VPN, this may increase internet speed.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
Sometimes the issue may not be your Wi-Fi But with your internet plan. When getting an internet plan many different options offer different internet speeds. However, if you are facing the issue of poor Wi-Fi maybe your internet plan does not support highly demanding online games.
You can contact your internet service provider and discuss upgrading your internet plan. A better plan will offer better speed for gaming so it’s always better to look at this aspect.
Last Words
Having a bad internet connection will ruin online gameplay that much is confirmed. The better your Wi-Fi connection is the better your gaming experience will be. Online gaming and the Internet are closely tied. Hopefully by following the steps above you can resolve your issues.
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[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]
Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions.
When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.
Skills:
- 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
- Majored in Software Engineering
- Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
- Specialized in IoT Solutions
- PC Enthusiast & PC Modder
In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.