In this time and age, the internet is a necessity as work and entertainment are both done online. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the online gaming industry has risen in popularity, with people choosing e-gaming as something more than a hobby. Although e-gaming is not an official sport, it attracts many viewers and participants. In 2022 the e-gaming industry was valued at $1.38 billion and is estimated to grow by $1.87 billion by the year 2025.
Internet speed is the most important key to winning a game. If your internet speed is low it can make your game lag and glitch. Fiber internet is the best way to get fast and reliable internet speed.
In this blog, I am going to tell you all about what fiber optic internet is, why fiber optic internet is ideal for gaming, the best service providers, and the speed requirements to improve in-game play and a flawless victory!
Understanding Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet is a type of broadband internet that carries information using light rays. The light particles contain data that is transmitted through glass or plastic fiber wires that travel at somewhat the same speed as the light. This eliminates any chance of data loss and privacy breaches. Fiber internet has made world records by recording the fastest internet speed ever in one second.
Using fiber optic internet has many benefits. Acknowledged by professional sites, fiber optic internet offers the best speed in comparison with other broadbands. It provides an average speed of 5 Gbps in the United States, while the maximum residential speed can range up to 50 Gbps.
Fiber optics has the ability to carry a lot of data compared to other broadbands which means an increase in bandwidth capacity. With more bandwidth your game won’t lag and the pixels will also not tear. Plus, you will have a better response rate and will be free of continuous interference. With fiber internet as your internet service, you can connect multiple devices at once without facing a decrease in internet speed. Fiber internet also promises a safe and secure connection and protects your privacy. It also has the lowest latency rate amongst other broadbands which further promises smooth gameplay.
Speed Requirements for Online Gaming
To cancel the experience of lag or late response rate a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps is advised by experts and FCC. The more speed you have the better because it ensures a smooth experience. To get the best experience choose an internet service provider that offers symmetric upload and download speeds. This is usually the case for FTTH fiber connections.
However, to get the ideal experience and to cancel out lags you need about 50 Mbps. For high-quality experience and interactive games or high graphic quality games about 75 Mbps is enough internet speed.
Low Latency: A Crucial Factor
Latency is an important factor in gaming. The latency or ping can improve or worsen the overall performance of your game despite the speed. Latency means the time taken to generate a response from a server. Low latency means less time taken to generate a response, which simply implies that there is less lagging and smooth gameplay.
Cable and DSL transmit data using metallic copper wires that suffer electromagnetic hindrance. However, Fiber optic wires are made of non-metallic materials which prevent electromagnetic signals from disturbing the connection. Plus, the data in optic wires is transferred at the speed of light which is hundreds of times faster than cable or DSL.
Fiber internet provides an average latency rate of 3-10 ms, cable gives an average latency of about 10-30 ms which is about 300% higher than fiber. Fiber provides the lowest ping rates in comparison with other broadbands that’s why it is the number one choice of all online gamers.
Good For Streaming And Content Creation
Fiber internet has all the features you need. It is inexpensive, has long-term benefits, and is highly reliable. The high internet speeds combined with symmetric upload and download speeds make uploading large files on the internet easier. This is perfect for streaming and online content creation.
Best Fiber Internet Providers In USA
AT&T is the best and largest internet provider in all of the US with the ability to provide fiber internet to 20.7 million consumers with amazing cost-effective fiber plans and services. AT&T‘s fiber plans start at $55.00/per month for 300 Mbps and range up to $245.00/per month for an 8,000 Mbps plan.
Usually, like other ISPs AT&T fiber plans also come with unlimited data and without any contracts. However, you might have to pay some additional fees.
With a rating of 9.8/10 and 5 stars on consumer rating, EarthLink lands the second position for the best internet service provider. It has always been praised for customer satisfaction and reliability. EarthLink provides plans with fast internet speed in an affordable price range with no data caps and a 12-month price guarantee.
EarthLink 1 gig fiber plan has been proven the best for gamers it has about 1000 Mbps speed and is only $74.95/per month
If you want a more detailed breakdown of their plans check out this blog on EarthLink reviews by GetInternetDeal.
Verizon is the 4th best internet service provider in the US with affordable fiber plans.
Verizon has 4 fiber internet plans in total and their 1 gig fiber plan is the best recommendation for gamers. It offers an average download speed of 845 Mbps and an average upload speed of 815 Mbps and the best part is that it gives a 4-year price guarantee. The plan is available to customers at $64.99/per month and you can order online to get a waiver on the professional setup fee.
Conclusion
It is clear that fiber optic internet is a better broadband choice in comparison with other internet types. However, it is up to you to choose which internet service and provider is the best for your requirements.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
