Introduction

When it comes to online gaming, nothing kills the excitement faster than high ping and latency. Whether you’re playing competitive shooters, large multiplayer RPGs, or even casual co-op games with friends, a slow connection can turn every action into a frustrating delay. For PC gamers, having a low ping is just as crucial as having a strong graphics card or a fast processor.

In this guide, we will explain what ping and latency mean, why they are important, and, most importantly, how to reduce them for a smoother gaming experience. We will also compare different internet options, including Ubifi’s reliable service, to help you choose the best setup.

What is Ping and Latency in Gaming?

    • Ping: measured in milliseconds (ms), is the time it takes for your device to send data to a game server and receive a response. The lower the number, the better.
    • Latency: often used interchangeably with ping, refers to the total delay in data transfer. This includes factors like server distance, network congestion, and hardware performance.

    In simple terms, ping measures how quickly your connection responds, while latency refers to the overall delay you feel while gaming. Understanding this is crucial for improving latency on your gaming PC, which leads to smoother performance.

      • 0–50 ms → Excellent for gaming
      • 50–100 ms → Playable, but you may notice slight lag
      • 100–200 ms → Noticeable delays, frustrating for competitive gaming
      • 200+ ms → Nearly unplayable in fast-paced games

      Why High Ping and Latency Ruin Gaming

        1. Input Delays – You press “shoot” but your character fires a split second later.
        2. Rubberbanding – Your character jumps back and forth on the screen.
        3. Missed Shots – Even if your aim is perfect, lag makes you miss.
        4. Unfair Matches – Opponents with lower ping have a massive advantage.

        For competitive titles like Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite, or Valorant, even an extra 20 to 30 ms of latency can make the difference between winning and losing.

        How to Reduce Ping and Latency for Faster Gaming

        1. Choose the Right Internet Connection

        Not all internet connections are the same. Your gaming experience heavily depends on your provider and the type of connection available in your area.

          • Fiber Internet → Best option, ultra-low latency, but not available everywhere.
          • Cable Internet → Decent, but can slow down during peak hours.
          • DSL → Higher latency, less reliable for gaming.
          • Satellite Internet → Historically bad for gaming due to high latency (500–700ms).
          • 4G/5G Fixed Wireless (like Ubifi) → Ubifi provides much faster response times than traditional satellites, making it a great option for gamers in rural areas.Ubifi’s Advantage: Unlike traditional satellite internet, Ubifi uses cellular-based fixed wireless technology, which offers much lower latency (20 to 50 ms). This makes it far more compatible with online gaming in places where fiber or cable isn’t an option.

          2. Use a Wired Connection Instead of Wi-Fi

          Wi-Fi signals can cause packet loss, interference, and added latency. Connecting your PC directly to the router with an Ethernet cable ensures a more stable connection.

          3. Optimize Router Settings

            • Enable Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic.
            • Keep your router’s firmware updated.
            • Place the router in a central, unobstructed area.
            • Use dual-band or tri-band routers for better traffic management.

            4. Close Background Apps and Devices

            Streaming, large downloads, or even smart home devices on the same network can increase ping. Always shut down unnecessary apps before gaming.

            5. Select the Nearest Game Server

            Most online games allow you to choose a region. Select the server closest to you to reduce the travel distance for your data.

            6. Upgrade Your Hardware

            Sometimes the problem isn’t just your internet; it could be your PC or router. A gaming-optimized router and an updated network card can save valuable milliseconds.

            Ubifi vs Other Internet Options for Gaming

            When gaming in rural or remote areas, your options are often limited. Here’s how Ubifi compares to popular alternatives:

              • Traditional Satellite Internet: Traditional satellite usually has 600 ms or more ping, making fast-paced games nearly unplayable. Even with high speeds, latency ruins the experience.
              • Starlink (Low-Earth Orbit Satellite): Old satellites perform better, averaging 40 to 60 ms latency, but are still vulnerable to weather disruptions.
              • Ubifi Wireless Internet: Ubifi works through cellular towers, delivering latency as low as 20 to 50 ms, which is close to cable performance. Plus, it doesn’t suffer from significant weather interruptions.
              • DSL in Rural Areas: Slower speeds and outdated infrastructure often mean higher pings (80–150ms).

              For gamers outside fiber or cable areas, Ubifi is one of the most practical and competitive options.

              FAQs About Improve Latency on Gaming PC

              1. What is a good ping for gaming?

              A ping below 50 ms is ideal for competitive gaming, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. Anything under 100 ms is generally playable, but higher ping can cause noticeable lag and delays.

              2. Can VPNs reduce ping?

              Sometimes a VPN can lower ping if it provides a more direct route to the game server. However, most VPNs add extra latency, so the effect varies depending on the provider and route.

              3. Does internet speed affect ping?

              Internet speed is important for downloads and uploads, but ping is more about connection quality. Even with 200 Mbps, poor network paths can result in high latency.

              4. Is satellite internet bad for gaming?

              Traditional satellite internet often has very high latency, making it unsuitable for fast-paced gaming. Newer services like Starlink are better, but fixed wireless options like Ubifi provide lower latency for smoother play.

              5. How do I check my ping?

              You can check ping in-game through settings, use online tools like Speedtest.net, or run the ping command in your PC’s terminal or command prompt. These methods help identify network delays.

              6. Can Ubifi really reduce gaming lag?

              Yes, Ubifi uses cellular-based wireless instead of traditional satellite, leading to much lower latency. Gamers in rural or mobile setups often enjoy smoother gameplay compared to other rural ISPs.

              Conclusion

              For gamers on their PCs, decreasing your ping and latency will greatly improve your experience. While changes to your ISP, moving to an ethernet cable, modernizing your router, and shutting down everything but the game you are playing can all help, choosing the best Internet for gaming in a rural area is the biggest factor to consider.

              If you live in an area with fiber or cable, those are the top choices. But for rural gamers without access to wired broadband, Ubifi offers one of the best low-latency alternatives, making online gaming smooth and fast.

              With the right setup and provider, you can finally stop blaming lag and focus on your next win.