Gaming Tips to Reduce Lag and Boost Speeds

       Few things are more frustrating for gamers than lag. Whether you’re in the middle of an online battle or exploring

       an open world with friends, delays and dropped connections can ruin the experience. Fortunately, there are several steps 

       you can take to reduce lag, improve speeds, and enjoy a smoother gaming session.

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1. Optimize Your Wi-Fi Setup

         If you play on Wi-Fi, make sure your setup is working in your favor:

• Place your router in a central, open location.
• Avoid interference from walls, floors, and other electronics.
• Connect to the 5 GHz band for faster, more stable speeds when you’re near the router.

2. Limit Background Traffic

       Nothing kills your ping like a housemate streaming 4K movies or downloading massive files while you’re gaming.

       Try these strategies:

• Pause large downloads and updates while gaming.
• Use your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming traffic over other activities. Or ask us about Watch Advanced Controls, powered by Plume, which enables you to manage your WiFi your way.

3. Keep Your Hardware Updated

• Router firmware: Updates often improve performance and security.
• Console/PC software: Updates may fix bugs that cause lag.
• Game patches: Developers regularly optimize servers and connectivity.

4. Choose the Right Server

       Most online games allow you to select a server region. Always pick the one closest to your physical location for the lowest latency. If you’re playing with friends in other               regions, expect some extra lag.

5. Monitor Your Network Devices

       Smart TVs, cameras, and other connected devices can eat up bandwidth without you realizing it. Disconnect or limit nonessential devices while gaming to free up network         resources.

6. Upgrade When Needed

       If you’re consistently struggling with lag despite optimizing your setup, your internet plan or equipment may need an upgrade. Look for:

• Higher speeds (especially if multiple people use your network).
• A modern router designed for gaming or heavy streaming.
• A mesh Wi-Fi system for large homes with weak spots.

7. Use a Wired Connection

       For the most stable connection, plug your gaming PC or console directly into the router with an Ethernet cable. Wired connections reduce interference and lower latency,             both of which are critical for online gaming.

       Lag doesn’t have to be part of your gaming experience. By fine-tuning your connection, minimizing interference, and making smart upgrades, you can enjoy smoother,                   faster, and more reliable gameplay every time you log on.