Online gaming has surged in popularity over the past few years, and gamers already know that super-fast internet connections are an absolute must.
Whether it’s new releases, massive multiplayer platforms, casual gaming or competitive esports, the best broadband connections ensure smooth gameplay.
So, which type of broadband connection is best for gaming? Let's delve in.
Cable Vs Fibre For Gaming
When it comes to the history of internet connectivity, there's been a long standing battle between different types of broadband.
Over a decade ago, the options here were primarily ADSL, using our old-school copper telephone lines, and cable broadband, which many associate with TV subscriptions.
Both of these internet options allowed users to browse web pages, download files, and stream some low to standard-definition content.
Slowly but surely, it became evident that connections weren’t fast enough.
Cable and ADSL Limitations
ADSL and cable broadband both predated fibre. ADSL is far more common than cable broadband.
However, during peak hours, when everyone locally is binge-watching their favourite shows or participating in a gaming marathon, cable speeds could drop, leading to in-game lag.
ADSL, while largely reliable, is slowly being phased out in favour of fibre broadband cut-out for the modern era. In fact, the UK plans to shut down the copper phone network by 2026.
Rise of Fibre Broadband
As the internet advances and gaming, streaming, and large file downloads become commonplace, super-fast internet connections are becoming mandatory.
This has culminated in the mass roll-out of fibre broadband, which doesn’t use copper metal wires at all. Instead, fibre broadband uses fibre optic technology to carry signals as light.
While 99% of the UK can access fibre broadband today, only around 44% can access full fibre broadband, which connects to the exchange via fibre optic cables only.
Fibre has slowly taken over the internet infrastructure, rapidly becoming the new benchmark.
With fibre – particularly full fibre – the days of fretting over sudden lag or disconnections are mainly behind us, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Not to mention, fibre is better for all other forms of internet surfing too – and means you won’t be competing for bandwidth with others in your property so much.
Why Is Fibre A Better Option For Online Gaming?
Diving into the captivating online gaming world requires more than just a solid gaming rig or console. Without excellent internet, you won’t get the best out of your gaming experience.
Here’s why fibre broadband is the best option for online gaming:
Low Latency
Ever been in a nail-biting situation in a game, only to experience serious lag? The next second, the balls in the back of the net or you’ve jumped off a cliff.
Latency – or lag – measures the round trip time it takes for data packets to travel from your device, get a nod from the game server, and return.
As many already know, high latency is exceptionally frustrating for gamers. Fibre broadband slashes latency, ensuring your in-game decisions translate to real-time actions. Plus, certain aspects of the game will load quicker and more smoothly.
- Instant Reaction: Your in-game actions are reflected almost instantly with reduced latency.
- Consistent Performance: Unlike other connections, fibre ensures a stable gaming experience, even during peak hours.
- No Surprises: Reduced chances of unexpected game interruptions due to sudden latency spikes.
- Enhanced Multiplayer: Seamless interactions with other players in real-time, crucial for team-based games.
Higher Bandwidth
Internet connections can slow down when multiple devices and applications are competing for bandwidth.
Multiplayer games, live streaming, video calls, and other data-intensive tasks all require bandwidth. And with modern households boasting multiple devices – from gaming consoles and PCs to tablets and smartphones – the strain on the internet is often high.
Fibre broadband is effective at managing bandwidth demands efficiently, allowing all your devices to function seamlessly, ensuring no game lag or stream buffering, even during the most internet-intensive moments.
- Multiple Devices: Whether it's multiple consoles, PCs, or mobile devices, all can run
- Uninterrupted Gaming: Your game remains unaffected even with other household internet demands.
- Future-Proof: As games become more data-intensive, fibre ensures you're ready.
- Fast Updates: Download game updates or new titles quicker, thanks to the high-speed bandwidth.
Symmetrical Upload & Download
In online gaming, what you send (upload) is as crucial as what you receive (download).
Traditional broadband connections often have blazing fast download speeds but crawling uploads. This is a drawback for gamers, especially when you're in the heat of a multiplayer game or showcasing your gameplay through live streams.
Fibre broadband balances the equation, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, which is especially useful for some forms of multiplayer gaming or live streaming.
- Balanced Speeds: Perfect for gamers who both play and stream their gameplay.
- Reliable Multiplayer: Send and receive game data consistently – crucial for online matches.
- Stable Livestream: Broadcast your gameplay without buffering or quality drops.
- Cloud Gaming Ready: As gaming moves to the cloud, symmetrical speeds ensure a seamless experience.
Full Fibre Solutions For Gaming With Glide
For gamers, it's not just about choosing any fibre broadband – it's about choosing the best.
Glide is among the leading providers, offering superb-quality fibre infrastructure with top-quality components.
Our high-bandwidth fibre solutions meet and exceed the modern demands of intensive wireless connectivity, for everyone from gamers to businesses and public sector organisations.
