If you are a gamer, then your internet needs may differ significantly from an average internet user. This can be attributed to the fact that gamers often require faster speeds and more bandwidth to support their activities. For this reason, you must consider the following when choosing an internet plan.
Fast speed
Many gamers require high-speed internet to avoid any lag or delay in gameplay. This is because when you are playing a game, any slight delay in the connection can cost you an advantage over your opponents. This is why gamers often require high-speed connections of up to 100 Mbps. Hence, make sure that your chosen plan offers adequate speeds for your needs. This way, you can be assured that your gaming experience is not hindered in any way.
Bandwidth
In addition to speed, gamers also need plenty of bandwidth to support their activities. This is because games often require large file downloads and uploads. For instance, if you are playing an online game, the game files will need to be downloaded from the game server. In addition, any footage that you record while playing will need to be uploaded back to the server. As such, you will require a broadband plan with a bandwidth of at least 20GB. Otherwise, you may experience lag and buffering during gameplay. Fortunately, most broadband providers usually offer this much bandwidth in their plans. Others even offer unlimited data that allows you to download and play as many games as you want.
Low latency
Latency refers to how long it takes for data packets being sent from your computer to get to their destination and receive a response back again. Low latency is important for gamers as it can help to reduce the amount of delay or lag that is experienced during gameplay. This is why many gaming routers come with features such as Quality of Service (QoS) that are designed to minimise latency. So, if you want to ensure a smooth gaming experience, then make sure that your chosen internet plan has low latency.
Peak hours
Many gamers like to play games online during peak hours such as between the hours of 7 PM and 11 PM. This is because there are usually more people available for them to play with during these times. However, the problem arises when many users in your area start using their internet connections at the same time. When this happens, you will experience a slowdown in speed as bandwidth is divided among all users on the network. This can be a problem for gamers as it can hinder the quality of their gameplay experience. Hence, you should choose an internet plan that has adequate bandwidth to support your usage during peak hours.
Final word
These are the four most important home broadband plan features for gamers. By considering these factors, you can be sure that you select a plan that is best suited to your needs. Rest assured that with the right broadband plan, you will not have to worry about any lag or delay during gameplay.
Compare different home broadband plans through CompareBroadband.com.au.