Moving faster than the competition is crucial for online video games. For a smooth online gaming experience, an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps is recommended for eliminating lagging and glitching in your video and audio. Depending on the games you enjoy, an even faster speed may be required. We’ve broken down how to optimize your connection so you can level up faster on your PC or console.
Understanding Internet Speed for Gaming
Different types of internet connections have different capabilities when it comes to speeds, ping and latency. Compared to other common online activities like streaming and shopping, these factors matter much more in multiplayer gaming.
Upload & Download Speeds
Internet speeds are measured in upload and download speeds. While download speeds, or how long it takes for data to be retrieved from the game’s server, matter for multiplayer gaming, optimal gaming experiences come from equally fast upload speeds. Upload speeds, or how long it takes to send an action from your controller to the server, power your in-game moves, update chats in real-time and allow uninterrupted streaming.
Here’s a breakdown of common connection types and their speed capabilities:
- Fiber: 10,000 Mbps
- Cable: 2,000 Mbps
- DSL: 140 Mbps
- Fixed Wireless: 1,000 Mbps
Ping Rate & Latency
Ping refers to the time between a player’s input and the server’s response to that input. When you click a button, an input pings the server with a command, and the server pings back with a response that translates into the game.
Measured in milliseconds, ping rate (also known as latency) counts the delay between when you press a button and when an in-game action occurs. When your ping is high (typically over 100 ms), each action will be delayed and detrimental to your gaming experience. Router location, slow connections, overcrowded networks and concurrent programs can all cause a significant delay.
Factors that Affect Gaming Speed
There may be more than one reason your response time isn’t where you need it to win. Here are some other factors that can affect your gameplay:
- Network congestion: Speed and ping will be impacted if you overload your network’s bandwidth with multiple devices.
- Device performance: Outdated hardware and software can create technical limitations for more high-performance games.
- Router and server location: If your router is on the other side of your home or the game’s server is located in another country, the signal has to travel much further to get to your device.
- Connection type: Satellite, DSL and cable internet were not designed for intense multiplayer gaming and struggle to keep up.
- Game type: Fast-paced multiplayer action games like Fortnite and Call of Duty require more bandwidth than single-player games.
- Security breaches: Cybercriminals target gamers to take over accounts, spy on chatrooms and install malware that can slow your connection.
Gaming Speeds for Different Devices
Ideal speeds and latency vary by device. Many PC games require faster download speeds than consoles, so you may need faster internet speeds to achieve an equally low latency rate on your computer versus your Xbox or PlayStation. Generally, a ping around 40-60 ms or lower will result in seamless gameplay.
| System | Minimum Upload Speed | Minimum Download Speed | Optimal Upload & Download Speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Xbox Series X/S | 3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Nintendo Switch | 3 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| PC | 3 Mbps | 6 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
Maximize Your Gaming Setup
There’s much more you can do to enhance your gaming experience than just increasing speeds. From next-generation monitors to cutting-edge accessories, you can give yourself a competitive advantage with customizable peripherals, consoles, chairs, storage and streaming equipment. These upgrades make for higher-quality visuals, crystal-clear audio, increased comfort and better gameplay video content.
Upgrade to Lumos Fiber Internet to Enhance Your Gameplay
Move faster than cable and your opponents by switching to fiber internet from Lumos. As the only provider of equally fast upload and download speeds, fiber ensures you’re never interrupted by lagging, glitching or buffering. Plus, whole-home coverage and unlimited bandwidth keep all your devices connected simultaneously, no matter how you game.
Check for Lumos Fiber Internet near you and level up faster with internet built for the future.
