9 Ways To Reduce Lag and Increase Internet Speed For Online Games

Lag is a common problem that many players face in online games. It can cause instability, making the game unplayable or nearly impossible to participate in battle or complete missions. Poor internet speed due to spyware and viruses is the primary cause of lagging.

Here are other ways to increase internet speed and reduce lag in online gaming.

1. Check Your Internet Speed

If you experience a lag in online gaming, check your internet speed first because it determines how fast you load your game. Most gaming platforms recommend a minimum rate of 3 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads. However, the internet speed depends on the kind of game you play. For instance, if you are enthusiastic about highly competitive games like Fortnite, you will need a high internet speed to reduce lag. A minimum speed of 20 Mbps is ideal for gaming.

2. Check Your Internet Bandwidth

You should check your internet Bandwidth if you are experiencing a lag. It's the volume of data you can transmit from your internet at a given time. Bandwidth affects the speed and quality of your internet connection. High bandwidth means a faster internet speed.

Several factors affect the bandwidth, including the number of users, the internet quality, and your area's suitability for the local signal. Therefore, consider getting a higher bandwidth if you have multiple gamers and investing in a quality Internet service provider. Additionally, you can improve your internet bandwidth by turning off automatic updates on your PC, upgrading your internet plan, closing background apps, clearing your cache, and reducing the number of connected devices.

3. Check Your Router

Your router could be the cause of gaming lag. Reboot it to clear the cache and pick a new, stronger signal. Place it in an open space above the furniture and remove microwaves or baby monitors near the router to prevent wave interference.

Consider moving your gaming console closer to the Wi-Fi router to avoid interference from walls and position the antennas perpendicularly, one vertically and the other horizontally, to maximize data coverage.

Avoid placing your router in Wi-Fi dead spots, in the kitchen, near windows, corners, or in the basement. If your router is an older model, buy a new one with more security features and improved speed. You can upgrade from a 2GHZ to a 5Ghz to reduce channel overlap and interference. Add a second router and dedicate it to gaming.

4. Check Your Internet Latency

Latency is the time to transfer data from its source to the final destination, measured in milliseconds. A higher latency means a longer response time and a slower internet speed. The latency depends on your internet service provider's quality and bandwidth. You can improve it by investing in a reliable internet service provider and limiting the number of users.

5. Use An Ethernet Cable

You can increase your internet speed and reduce lag by using an ethernet cable to connect your gaming PC to your router. It maximizes your internet bandwidth, minimizes fluctuations, reduces ping, and provides the strongest connection to your PC.

6. Amplify The Signal

Sometimes, moving closer to the Wi-Fi router can increase the internet speed. However, it may be impossible in some cases. Therefore, amplifying the signal can reduce lag and significantly increase speed. You can boost the signal using an internet booster in an extender or multiplier. A signal booster can remove dead spots, increase network coverage, and amplify the existing signal to maintain internet speed when streaming multiple games away from the router.

7. Update Your Internet Security

Too many users can significantly lower your internet bandwidth, reduce speed and cause lag when playing online games. Hence, it's crucial to secure your Wi-Fi network and lock out unwanted users. Avoid using a default Wi-Fi password that someone can easily guess and put a complex one instead. Additionally, keep changing your Wi-Fi password to minimize your Wi-Fi access by freeloaders. Keep updating your router's firmware to reduce security bugs and disable the remote access features to minimize access by malware and viruses.

8. Use a Dedicated Server

Using a dedicated server for gaming can increase the game loading speed, reduce lag and boost your performance. It also increases your internet security, reducing malware, bugs, and viruses that can cause low internet speed. Additionally, you can customize your game settings, receive the latest game updates and increase your gaming stability with a dedicated server.

9. Optimize Gaming Settings

You can reduce lag and increase internet speed by optimizing your gaming audio to suit your internet connection. Disable notifications to reduce pop-ups and lower graphics resolution to reduce data expenditure. Reduce shadow quality and disable the V-sync feature to boost speed.

Conclusion

Lag can be a challenge when playing online games because it can reduce internet speed, making it impossible to play. You can increase your gaming experience by ensuring at least 15 Mbps internet speed and investing in a reliable internet service provider.