Being a gamer and having satellite internet do not sound like a good mix to many. Satellite internet is often brought down by high latency or ping times, and that is not what you want when winning or losing is a quick second away.
Satellite internet has improved tremendously since it was first introduced and is now able to bring with it high speeds that would have no problem browsing the web, streaming, and chatting.
But high latency remains an issue because of the nature of the system. Despite beams traveling at almost the speed of light, the distance covered is still significant and the transmission is not as direct as wired connections would be. Signals traveling are not always so smooth either, which can be due to many reasons, hence the delays.
Fortunately, if you happen to be living in a remote area and gaming with satellite internet, the situation is not that dire. There are a few things you can do on your own to improve ping rate and not have to scratch your head every time your internet connection fails you when gaming.
But first things first…
What is latency?
Latency, or ping time, refers to the length of time a request is sent and completed. This is something that can be measured regardless of the type of internet connection that you have.
Generally, wired connections have lower ping times because there is a shorter distance as well as lesser intervention in its cables. Meanwhile, if you know how satellite internet works, you know that signals are shot to space from your satellite dish and transmitted to your service provider, which then fulfills the request, sends the necessary data to the space satellite, and then makes its way to your own equipment.
All these happen within a matter of seconds, which is not a lot when you think about it. But in activities like online gaming, the little things matter.
How does high latency affect video gaming?
When you have a high ping time, a server may be unable to recognize your actions in-game at the same time you have done them. Depending on the game you’re playing, this can mean missed hits, delayed defense, dying, et cetera. Even when you have been quick to act, this would mean little in your game, and that can be very frustrating.
Steps you can try to reduce latency
Thankfully, things are not completely hopeless — you would not have to give up gaming just because you have no access to cable and fiber internet.
Start with running a speed test
You can do this with many services available online, and free of charge. Basically, how it works is that it checks your download speed, upload speed, and ping rate while connected to a server. The download speed ideally is the same as the speed your provider advertises. You may want to check out your package for comparison.
To get the most accurate results, it is ideal that you close all programs or tabs requiring an internet connection. Baseline numbers are also best determined during times when internet traffic is considered normal, rather than at peak which is usually late at night. You can test at different hours of the day for several days to compare results.
You also do not have to stick to a single website measuring speed test. You can try at least three and put the results side by side to get at least an estimate.
Reset your modem and router
This is a technique that is not exclusive to satellite internet. Sometimes, all it needs is the simple powering off and powering on to get things back to speed.
It may be the case that there is an internal error with the device that could be easily fixed by forcing the modem to start up again. Take note though that you will have to wait for a minimum of 30 seconds before turning the device back on [1]. When your device is running again and your internet-ready device is online, go ahead and run another speed test. Check if doing so leads to any improvements.
Disconnect other devices and stop certain programs
When you are gaming or streaming, speed is affected by other programs that are running and connected to the Internet. Ongoing downloads as well as buffering videos can easily interfere with your gaming.
When different devices are using the connection simultaneously, you are also using more bandwidth than usual. Some gadgets are more Internet hoggers than others, so you may want to do a trial and error to figure which ones are affecting latency the most.
Check if your firmware needs updating
This is pretty common sense for anybody who has relied on electronic devices for quite some time, and yet this step is often overlooked. A slower connection may signal that your modem requires some firmware update before it gives the speeds you are expecting.
You will have to check your settings as notifications might be missed or delayed. It is easy-peasy after this, however. Instructions will be provided once your system determines that it is scheduled for an update.
Use ethernet
Relying on a wireless connection, Wi-Fi, for instance, is not the most ideal for gaming. Using Ethernet cables can help as walls and other obstructions matter little in the end.
Check your satellite dish
Sometimes, the problem may not be with your modem or your router. Remember, there is another device in the equation, and that is your satellite dish. As the equipment responsible for transmitting signals to space satellites and service providers, it is important that its pristine condition is maintained.
When you first signed up for satellite internet, a professional might have installed the dish for you. They are tasked with ensuring that the dish is in the optimum position to send and receive information by using coordinates as instructed by your internet provider.
However, your dish is not static. A slight drizzle or a strong wind can affect its position. Your satellite connection is sensitive to these slight movements.
This can be simply remedied with a compass. However, if you are unsure of the exact orientation your satellite dish should be in, you can always seek servicing from your provider.
You should also check your dish for any debris. As we have already established, this particular equipment can be sensitive, and the odd leaf could affect performance. You can remove this and safely clean your satellite with water. The cables should also be inspected as they may have sustained some damage for a while.
Look around, are there any trees getting in the line of sight of your satellite dish? These, too, can affect latency. Remember, the clearer the sky, the better it is for your satellite internet and the speed it provides.
Conclusion
For all the convenience satellite internet provides and the developments we have seen, it cannot be perfect. One glaring disadvantage is its being prone to high ping times, which can keep you from enjoying streaming that Netflix movie or gaming online with your friends.
However, one can choose not to resign to this fact and remedy problems with latency, especially when there are very few alternatives in your area. You can check your satellite dish, use ethernet cables, and even turn off and on the modem and the router, among others.
All these steps can lead to significant improvements in avoiding delays — we sure have done the same! It is worth a try. After all, satellite internet should not keep you from doing things you enjoy.
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