How to Optimize Your Internet Connection for Better Streaming and Gaming

I use my internet for a lot of different things, and while it mostly offers a decent experience, sometimes it starts to act up like a teenager, especially when I’m gaming or streaming.

This is because gaming and streaming are kind of demanding on your internet connection, since they require both high speed and low latency (I’ve explained what this is ahead) for a smooth experience. Luckily for you, I tried and tested some simple steps that helped me optimize my connection for better results. If you also game or stream content a lot, they might just work for you, too.

In this article, I’ll first explore why streaming and gaming need consistent high-speed internet, some reasons your internet might be acting up, and steps you can take to prevent that.

Why Do Streaming and Gaming Need Fast and Reliable Internet?

Streaming and gaming are very data-intensive, and need your internet connection to quickly share large amounts of data back and forth. I’ve broken down the requirements for both of these activities to help you better understand why they’re so demanding on your internet connection.

Streaming

Streaming services such as Netflix or YouTube require a certain level of bandwidth to deliver the streaming experience that you’re going for.

For example, if you’re planning to stream content in HD (High Definition), you’ll need a minimum speed of 5 Mbps (Megabits per second). If you plan to go a level higher and watch in 4K, you’ll need a minimum of 25 Mbps.

Latency refers to the total time it takes for a data packet to bounce back and forth between your device and the server, and it’s measured in milliseconds (ms). When it comes to latency for any form of streaming, the ideal is below 100 ms.

Failing to provide this speed and latency may result in those quality downgrades and buffering signs that have us losing our minds most of the time.

Gaming

I play multiplayer games a lot, but even if you fly solo, you’ll need a killer combo of both speed and latency, but mostly latency. This is because online gaming is all about real-time responsiveness. I mean, I bet you wouldn’t want to be eliminated by the time the server processes your command, right?

To power this real-time responsiveness, a low latency is crucial, ideally below 50 ms. If your latency is on the higher end, you’ll experience lag, delayed actions, or unresponsiveness. All of this might take you one step closer to Hulk smashing your console, PC, or phone.

Even though streaming and gaming can burden your internet connection, when you pair a high number of users performing both these activities together, you’ve got a storm on your hands. I’ve explored a few reasons why this might be the case in the next section.

Why Your Internet Might Act Up When Streaming and Gaming

There are many reasons for this, such as old equipment and bandwidth division, to name a few. Let’s take a look at how each factor impacts your internet connection.

Old Equipment

Sometimes your internet modem and router may be outdated, and not be able to support the speed required for both these activities, or support multiple devices at the same time.

Network Congestion

This is when there are too many users using an internet provider’s network at the same time. This doesn’t just include your home, but also people using the same provider as you. The result? Divided bandwidth, which we’ll explore next.

Bandwidth Division

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data an internet provider can transmit at any given time. It could be that your internet provider doesn’t offer enough to support streaming. Or, picking up on my previous point, there’s a large number of users, which pushes the provider to divide bandwidth to manage the strain.

Long Distance from Router or Modem

Just like long-distance relationships rarely work, neither does your internet when you’re far from the router and modem. While this weakens the signal on its own, barriers like walls or floors can further weaken it.

Electromagnetic Interference

The signals that other electrical devices, such as microwaves, landlines, or other routers around generate can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, reducing its speed. This is especially the case if your router works on a crowded frequency band.

Don’t let this list of causes overwhelm you, because they may look tough to fix, but they’re not. I’ve shared some quick steps you can take in the next section.

Quick Steps to Optimize Your Internet for Streaming and Gaming

Time for the main course: the solutions that can allow uninterrupted gaming and streaming. I know you’re hungry, so let’s dive right in.

Upgrade to a Cable or Fiber Internet Connection

Cable and fiber internet are the two best internet options for streaming and gaming. While fiber takes the lead in speed and low latency, cable offers a lot of balance between these aspects and affordability. I’d recommend fiber if you game and stream for a living, and cable if you occasionally enjoy them like I do.

If you fall into the same category as me, I’d recommend Xfinity as a provider for its speed and reliability. Plus, they’ve also made it easy to access by offering bilingual customer service. You can reach out to Xfinity en Español or in English, whichever you prefer.

Try a Different Router Placement

Ideally, you want to keep your router in a slightly central, elevated position, where there are no physical barriers or other electronic devices to interfere with its signals. An improved signal strength could be the difference between a poor and a great experience.

Monitor Connected Devices

As I mentioned earlier, the more users on a network, the lower the bandwidth, which is not good for gaming and streaming. When performing these activities, you might want to disconnect some of your devices. Using a network management tool to track and manage devices that consume high bandwidth can help here.

Time to Enjoy Next Level Streaming and Gaming

That about covers all you needed to know, folks. I’ve shared the problems, identified the solutions, and now it’s time for you to put them into action.

Don’t worry, they won’t take too long, and you’ll have figured out the problem before you know it. Once that’s done, it’s time to get down to business, endless uninterrupted gaming and streaming.