- Online gamers need one thing to stay on top of their game: a great connection
- When choosing a plan, it’s best to choose the one that offers high speeds
- Learn what it means to choose the right provider
One of the busiest times for kids (and grown up kids!) to enjoy playing games online on new consoles is during the summer break. But any successful gamer relies on one key element: a strong, reliable Internet connection.
Whether you’re setting up new gaming equipment following a very lucky Christmas, or you’re getting the kids set up for their summer break playing online with their friends, choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) is pivotal for staying ahead in the gaming arena.
Nothing disrupts an enjoyable gaming session more than an unreliable Internet connection especially when paying a premium for the plan and when the game is a brand new one!
To ensure your connection doesn't jeopardise your gaming activity this summer, it’s time to get the lowdown on the best 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.
Let’s go through everything you need to know on the best Internet for gaming!
Things to 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.
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.
You want the kids (and you!) to stay connected when gaming online. A missed connection can lead to gaming interruptions, missed social connections with friends and a bill being paid for something that doesn’t work.
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 the 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.
Which provider is best for gaming?
Selecting the right ISP when researching the best Internet for gaming is crucial. The right provider not only delivers an affordable Internet connection but also delivers additional perks and services.
Aussie Broadband is currently the only NBN provider in Australia offering dedicated gaming plans, after MyRepublic's exit and Optus discontinuing its Gamer Plan in 2021.
However, other providers still offer features aimed at improving your gaming experience. For instance, Telstra offers two services to enhance online gaming.
The first is a free Internet Optimiser that reduces lag by allowing you to prioritise traffic to gaming devices and choose preferred servers in different countries.
It also offers a paid Game Optimiser service for AU$10 per month. This enables DumaOS network management on your Telstra router, providing features such as server presets for popular games and the ability to check ping speeds for local and overseas servers.
While hardcore gamers may benefit from the Game Optimiser, casual players might find the free Internet Optimiser sufficient. If you already own a Netgear or Netduma router with DumaOS, you can access similar features without paying Telstra’s subscription fee.
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 below:
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 experience with Compare Broadband
Are you looking to upgrade your current plan to one that’ll support your gaming? Contact the team at Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000 and let’s get you connected.
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