By Edward Dempsey, Accountant
The internet is your lifeline in the world of online gaming. It’s the bridge connecting you to epic adventures, intense competition, and camaraderie with fellow players. But let’s face it: nothing ruins a gaming session faster than lag, buffering, or dropped connections.
Here at United Communications, we understand your need for a smooth, lag-free experience. Many of our employees are also United customers, so we know exactly how our internet services impact your life daily. We’re also proud of the reputation we’ve built. As one of our customers Mark N., recently shared, “United is the future of high-speed reliable internet.”
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and practical tips to optimize your internet for lag-free gaming. We’ll explore what factors matter most, how to choose the right internet plan for your needs, and some simple tweaks to get the most out of your connection.
Understanding Your Gaming Connection
Not all internet connections are created equal. While download speeds often grab the spotlight, when it comes to gaming, ping and latency are the true champions.
- Latency: This refers to the time it takes for data packets to travel from your device to a server and back again. Think of it as the round-trip time for information. Lower latency means faster response times.
- Ping: This is simply a measurement of latency, typically expressed in milliseconds (ms). Low ping means your device is communicating with the server quickly, resulting in smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.
Why are these so important? In fast-paced online games, even a slight delay can have a major impact. Imagine being a half-second behind your opponent in a competitive shooter—that could be the difference between victory and defeat.
“Great value and have had zero problems with streaming services or gaming. I also love that it notifies me when new systems log on to my Wi-Fi.”
– Vicki L., United Communications customer
Choosing the Right Internet Plan
Fiber optic internet shines as the ultimate teammate for smooth online gaming. Compared to traditional options like DSL or cable, fiber offers significantly lower latency, ensuring your commands reach the game server and back in a flash.
All of United’s 1 gig and multi-gigabit fiber plans are built to handle the demands of modern gaming. With our bi-directional sync, you get the same upload and download speeds, allowing you to download massive games in record time, experience breathtaking high-resolution graphics without buffering, and dominate the competition with a lag-free connection.
Selecting the Right Router
A powerful internet plan is a great foundation, but the right hardware can unlock even more potential. Many of our customers who prioritize wireless gaming recommend our Wi-Fi 6 BLAST router. This powerhouse utilizes cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering faster speeds, increased capacity, and improved performance, especially in busy Wi-Fi environments.
That’s not all United offers. Serious gamers can also leverage the power of the UControl app. This handy tool allows you to prioritize your gaming devices, ensuring your online battles receive the maximum bandwidth available. No more competing with other devices in your home for that crucial edge.
“Excellent speed. No downtime. No lag while gaming.”
– Brian S., United Communications customer
Keeping Your Network Running Smoothly
Just like any piece of technology, your router needs a little TLC to keep it functioning at its best. To ensure your network is running smoothly and delivering the lowest possible latency, keep your router’s firmware up-to-date. Firmware updates often include performance enhancements and security patches, ensuring your router is operating at peak efficiency.
Partnering with a Reliable Provider
Let’s be honest: disconnects and outages are the ultimate buzzkill for any online gamer. United Communications boasts a world-class fiber optic network with an industry-leading 99.99% reliability rating. This means you can focus on your game, safe in the knowledge that your internet connection will be there to support you.
“Love the service and never have any issues with streaming service cutting out or during gaming. Pricing is decent as well.”
– Bruce T., United Communications customer
United Communications: Here to Help You Level Up
At United Communications, we understand your passion for gaming, and we’re committed to providing the tools and support you need to dominate the competition and have a blast doing it. So grab your controller, select your character, and get ready to experience the next level of online gaming with United Communications!
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable internet provider to elevate your gaming experience, check out United’s availability in your area. We offer a variety of fiber optic plans to suit your needs and budget and a friendly, local customer support team that is always ready to help.
About the Author:
By Edward Dempsey, Accountant
Edward Dempsey is an accountant at United Communications. He joined the team at the beginning of 2024, attracted by United’s positive company culture and commitment to employee well-being. Edward graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Before joining United, he spent over four years in the banking sector, gaining valuable experience that prepared him for more specialized finance roles. In his role at United, Edward handles various critical responsibilities that demand expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to accuracy.