- Online gamers need one thing to stay on top of their game
- When choosing a plan, get the one that offers high speeds
- Choosing the right ISP provider is just as important
Successful online gamers rely on a key element – a strong Internet connection. They seek a broadband connection rich in data, speed, and low latency to maintain a competitive edge. Choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) is pivotal for staying ahead in the gaming arena.
Gamers understand the importance of a fast, stable, and reliable broadband connection. Nothing disrupts an enjoyable gaming session more than unreliable Internet, especially when paying a premium for the plan.
To ensure your connection doesn't jeopardise your gaming, choose the Internet for gaming that perfectly aligns with your needs. With a multitude of offers from various service providers, it's crucial not to hastily opt for discounted plans or follow the crowd. The choice greatly depends on your location. For insights into finding the best Internet for gaming, explore this article to make informed decisions.
Consider speed
A faster Internet connection is a game-changer for gamers, offering enhanced download and update speeds, especially crucial for hefty 50GB+ game files. Previously, on average ADSL2+ connections, a 50GB game took around 12 hours to download; with a 100Mbps NBN connection, this reduces to just over an hour.
For those on HFC or FTTP with an NBN 1000 plan, game downloads could potentially take as little as seven minutes. However, not all NBN plans are created equal due to variations in peak hour speeds among providers.
The ACCC mandates the disclosure of typical evening speeds to provide users with accurate expectations during peak hours (7 pm - 11 pm), though numerous factors like connection technology, home hardware, and local usage can impact actual speeds.
Think about reliability
Assessing a provider's reliability can be challenging, given variations in outage reports. A reliable source to check is the ACCC website, which quarterly publishes ISP reliability reports, offering real-world performance insights.
Preferably, your chosen broadband provider should have direct connections to data centres around hosting gaming servers.
Consider latency
Consider latency, which impacts your computer's connection to the game server or another gamer's computer, influencing your overall experience.
Latency, measured by Ping, depends on your distance from your service provider's main node, network routing, and overall data capacity. Lower latency enhances the gaming experience. Inquire about a service provider's connection stability in your area to assess latency. Use risk-free trials for new networks or opt for month-to-month contracts for flexibility.
While physical game copies reduce downloads, online play requires not just a reliable connection but excellent latency for responsiveness. ISPs vary in optimising latency for gaming, with some actively prioritising it.
The right provider
Selecting the right ISP when researching the best Internet for gaming is crucial. They not only provide an affordable Internet connection but also offer additional perks and services. Telstra introduces the Game Optimisation service, prioritising traffic to minimise lag spikes.
For a straightforward option, consider TPG, offering budget-friendly Internet for gaming with unlimited data and high speed. Identifying your needs and budget before subscribing to NBN packages helps narrow down choices and find the most suitable plan for you.
Take a look at the best providers for gamers:
Gaming and NBN connection types
If you're eyeing higher-speed NBN plans like NBN 250 or NBN 1000, it's crucial to have the right infrastructure. NBN 250 plans and those exceeding 100Mbps require a HFC or FTTP connection and won't function on a fibre to the node (FTTN) or similar connection.
Here are the main fixed NBN connection types for gamers:
- FTTP (fibre to the premises): An end-to-end fibre optic connection, offering the best performance but limited availability, supporting speeds up to NBN 1000.
- HFC (hybrid fibre-coax): The second-best option, supporting up to 250Mbps, using existing coaxial cable for the 'in-building' part, theoretically capable of faster pings than FTTN.
- FTTN (fibre to the node): Using copper phone lines, it has top speeds of 100Mbps, making it less ideal for gaming but still capable of adequate performance.
- FTTC/B (fibre to the curb/basement): A variation on FTTN, bringing the fibre connection to the building entry point but still using copper phone lines. It offers a slight improvement over FTTN, supporting up to 100Mbps.
While the NBN connection type may not significantly impact ping times, high pings are likely due to ISP or local network setup issues rather than the connection type, unless there's severe degradation involved.
Upgrade your gaming with Compare Broadband
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