Online gaming requires a fast, stable, and reliable internet connection, but often gamers face many issues, due to which they end up losing matches or getting disconnected from the game at the worst moments possible. Online gamers are aware of the fact that there is nothing more frustrating for a gamer than facing high ping, lag, or unexpected disconnections while playing.
For online gamers, a fast and stable internet connection is a staple, but unfortunately, gamers worldwide face many issues that ruin their entire gaming experience. In this post, we have discussed some common internet issues that affect online gamers and how these can be prevented to help you stay ahead of the game and enjoy a smooth online gaming experience.
1. Lag or High-Latency
Lag or high-latency refers to the delay between your actions and the game’s response. While gaming, if you have experienced your character taking a while to shoot after you have pressed the button, then it is because of high-latency. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms), and the lower the number, the better. High-latency or lag is caused by multiple factors, including:
- Increased distance from game servers
- Network congestion
- Wi-Fi interference
- Low bandwidth
Lag can be prevented by using a wired connection, choosing closer game servers, minimizing network traffic, and enabling QoS on your router through the admin interface to prioritize gaming traffic on the network.
2. Packet Loss
Packet loss occurs when data packets from your device fail to reach the game server or vice versa. Packet loss can be dreadful for online gaming, as it can lead to rubberbanding, missed actions, stutters, freezes, and even disconnections. There are multiple causes of packet loss, including:
- Network congestion
- Faulty hardware/ outdated routers
- Wi-Fi interference
- Buffer bloat
You can prevent packet loss from occurring by using a wired connection, since it is less prone to packet loss, inspecting the connection wires and cables for damage, updating the router firmware, and using a gaming VPN on the router through http://192.168.0.1/.
3. Jitter
Jitter refers to inconsistent latency or variability in delivery time of packets, causing your internet connection to fluctuate unpredictably. Jitter can make your gaming experience weird and choppy, as the entire gameplay becomes erratic and choppy, with characters jumping or stuttering instead of moving smoothly. Jitter is caused by:
- Network instability
- Inadequate bandwidth
- Older router
- Network congestion
- Inefficient routing
To prevent Jitter from occurring on your network, consider using a wired connection, enabling QoS, upgrading your wireless router, increasing the available bandwidth, changing Wi-Fi channel and frequency, and contacting your ISP to improve the routing of your connection.
4. Network Disconnects
Random disconnects are very common and are a nightmare for online gamers, especially in crucial moments, as these can ruin matches, cost your rankings, and leave you frustrated. Frequent disconnections can even lead to temporary bans and penalties in competitive games. Random disconnects occur because of:
- Unstable Wi-Fi
- ISP outages
- Overloaded game servers
- Router overheating
- Signal interference
Network disconnects can be prevented by using a reliable connection like a wired connection, improving Wi-Fi range, upgrading your router, choosing different game servers, and contacting your ISP for a suspected outage.
5. Bandwidth Throttling

Another common issue that isn’t talked about much is bandwidth throttling. Bandwidth throttling occurs when your internet service provider slows down your internet speeds intentionally, often during peak times or after you have exceeded data limits, leading to subpar gaming performance. Throttling can cause lag, stuttering, and disconnections, leading to a poor gaming experience.
Throttling can be overcome by using a VPN to bypass throttling by your ISP, monitoring data usage, and upgrading to an unlimited data plan.