A few months ago, I realized that my internet wasn't working that well. My connection kept timing out, and it seemed like no matter what I did, the pages weren't loading quickly at all. I cleared out my cache, reset my router, and still nothing. After talking with a neighbor, they informed me that there was a problem with the internet provider that I was using. I contacted the internet provider, and they walked me through a few really interesting troubleshooting tips. I learned a lot that day, and I want to teach you a lot too. This blog is filled with articles about the Internet, so that you don't run into any trouble of your own.
Eliminating Internet Problems
Lagging in Online Games? Disconnecting? Here's a Few Reasons Why
Maria Mora
Figuring out internet connection problems can be a pain, especially when the fixes seem to be highly technical. Every internet service provider (ISP) is different and there may be certain circumstances that you simply can't escape, but you'll need to understand why in order to move towards a more satisfying fix. If you're a gamer who demands consistency, take the time to understand why your gaming is affected specifically and what could be causing the problem.
How is Online Gaming Any Different From Other Internet Tasks?
Most other internet tasks involve a one-way transmission of information to a finish product. A website is a collection of information that is sent to your computer and can be completed, and, even if there are advertisements or other parts of the site that update, modern web design avoids requiring a full reload or refresh of the website. You get one package, and that package stays the same until you command otherwise.
With online gaming, you're often dealing with a constantly evolving world. The graphical files are all installed on your computer and do not need to be downloaded again once installed, but there are files sent between your computer and the game server that change the way you interact with the game world.
When you cast a spell, shoot a gun, move or send a message, actions are sent as a packet that goes from your computer to the game server. These packet transmissions aren't just based on what you do in the game; if you're playing a persistent world game with other people moving around and playing the game, you need a constant update of information from the game server to your computer.
In short, there's a constant packet delivery to and from you and the game server in the form of internet downloads and uploads. There's more opportunities for mistakes to happen, and you need these small deliveries to play your game with virtually no delay. These delays could be happening all of the time while browsing the web, but you may not notice it because of the one-time delivery that standard web services deliver.
The Difference Between Lagging and Disconnecting
When your game character seems to be moving in place, not properly performing certain actions or just failing to stay up-to-date with the game, it's called lag. Lag can be caused by the internet speed slowing down to the point of being too slow for packets to be delivered and received on time.
These delays can be caused by delays with your computer network, such as a download or an upload taking up your internet capacity or bandwidth. If you or someone else is downloading a file or watching a video, and your internet connection is at a basic speed that can't handle the transfer, your game will also suffer. There are also times when computer viruses can take up download speed, or affect uploads by sending your personal information across the internet.
Disconnecting happens when the your computer loses connectivity with the internet. It can happen from your computer to the network device (modem, router, etc) or from the network device to your internet Service Provider. Oddly enough, lag may be caused by disconnects that are so brief that the game server may not register you as gone--merely delayed. This is what is known as intermittent connectivity.
Weather problems, damaged or old infrastructure and overheating modems can cause just as many problems as viruses and big downloads. Contact an ISP, such as Reserve Telecommunications, to discuss connection issues or to find a plan that is right for you.
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