26th January 2026
Setting up a gaming-ready internet connection can feel overwhelming, especially for parents or beginners. Terms like latency, ping, and packet loss can be confusing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about internet for gaming for smooth, lag-free gameplay.
table of contents
what speed broadband do I need for gaming
High download speeds are useful for large game files, for example, a 900 Mbps connection can download a game over 100 GB in around 15 minutes1. The key to smooth gaming is low latency and a stable, consistent broadband connection.
understanding latency and ping in online gaming
what is the difference between latency and ping?
Latency is the delay in data travelling from your device to the game server and back, whilst ping measures that delay in milliseconds (ms).
Low latency and ping are crucial for smooth gameplay. Even with high download speeds, a high ping can cause lag.
It’s important to remember that the lower the ping, the better. Aim for a ping under 50ms for competitive gaming and under 100ms for casual play. Ping over 100 will likely make fast-paced games unplayable2.
At toob our 900 Mbps broadband delivers 3-6 m/s ping with no throttling during peak times. Find out more about our broadband for gamers.
choosing the best internet for gaming
The best gaming experience starts with the right gaming set up. Once you’ve chosen the best gaming equipment, you’ll need the best internet for gaming but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start!
setting up your internet for gaming
Here are some simple steps to ensure you’re getting the best internet straight into your gaming console or PC.
use a wired ethernet connection
It’s ideal to use a wired ethernet connection for gaming where possible. A direct connection into your console or PC provides the most stable performance, lowest latency and minimal packet loss. This is because even with fast wi-fi, there can still be interference from walls or other devices, so connecting via ethernet is the most reliable option for gamers.
position your router correctly
If you’re not using an ethernet, the placement of your router is essential for reliable wi-fi for gaming.
your router should be kept in a central, elevated position
avoid placing the router inside cupboards, behind TVs, or near thick walls – see what other objects might affect your wi-fi
A small adjustment in placement can improve your wi-fi signal strength and stability.
consider a mesh system for larger homes
If you live in a larger property or have dead spots within your home, a mesh wi-fi system can deliver strong, consistent coverage across the entire home. This can help prevent sudden drops in signal strength that cause lag during gaming.
explore toob’s mesh wi-fi network solution
consider what type of IP address your internet provider offers
Many old gaming consoles will use an IPv4 address, however, there are a limited number of these available. Newer devices will use IPv6, however whilst many devices are still making the switch there are a number of internet providers, particularly altnets utilising CG-NAT.
CG-NAT is designed to share public IP addresses among broadband customers; this isn’t a problem for most broadband customers however there are a few instances where you might need a static IP including, if you host a gaming server, host a website, play peer-to-peer gaming.
find out more about the difference between CG-NAT, IPv4 and IPv6
