The Importance of Ping and Best Internet Accessories for Gamers

20 March 2025

As a gamer, there’s nothing worse than being in the middle of an epic multiplayer battle, about to clutch the win, only to have your game stutter, lag, or completely disconnect. We’ve all been there, and trust me, it’s beyond frustrating. While gaming setups are often measured by fancy RGB lights, high-refresh-rate monitors, and powerful GPUs, the hidden MVP is your internet connection. And at the heart of it all? Ping. If you’re not paying attention to your ping and the accessories that can improve it, you’re basically bringing a butter knife to a gunfight.

In this article, we’ll dive into why ping is so critical for gamers, how it impacts your gameplay, and some of the best internet accessories that can help you level up your gaming experience. Ready? Let’s go!

What Is Ping and Why Does It Matter?

First things first—what even is ping? If you're not super into the techy side of things, the term might sound like something straight out of an old-school submarine movie. But it’s not that complicated. Ping is essentially the time it takes for data to travel from your device (console, PC, etc.) to the game server and back again. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms).

Think of it like throwing a tennis ball against a wall. Ping is how fast the ball bounces back to you. A lower ping means the ball comes back instantly (smooth gameplay), while a higher ping means there's a delay before it returns (hello, lag central).

So, why does this matter for gaming? Because in the fast-paced world of online games, even a delay of a few milliseconds can mean the difference between landing that critical shot or being sent back to the respawn screen. If you’ve ever been killed around a corner or noticed your inputs not registering immediately, you’ve experienced the pain of high ping.

Low Ping vs. High Ping: What’s the Ideal Range?

Let’s break it down with some ballpark numbers:

- 0-20ms (Low Ping): Chef’s kiss. This is as good as it gets. Your gameplay will be buttery smooth, almost like you’re predicting the future.
- 21-50ms (Good Ping): Still pretty solid. Most gamers will find this range perfectly acceptable for competitive online games.
- 51-100ms (Average Ping): Okay, now we’re starting to feel a bit of lag. It’s manageable, but you might notice occasional hiccups.
- 101-200ms (High Ping): Time to get worried. Inputs start to feel sluggish, and your chances of pulling off clutch plays drop significantly.
- 200ms+ (Unplayable): Nope. Just nope. At this point, it’s almost impossible to game competitively.

If your ping falls into the "high" or "unplayable" category, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to fix it. But before we get into that, let’s talk about what actually causes high ping.

What Causes High Ping in Online Gaming?

High ping is kind of like a traffic jam on the information superhighway. There are several culprits, and they’re worth understanding:

1. Distance from the Game Server

The farther you are from the server you’re connecting to, the longer it takes for data to travel back and forth. If you’re gaming on a North American server from Europe, for instance, you’re already at a disadvantage.

2. Slow Internet Speeds

Let’s face it—gaming on a slow internet connection is a nightmare. If your download and upload speeds can’t handle the real-time demands of your favorite games, it’s game over.

3. Wi-Fi Interference

While a Wi-Fi connection is convenient, it can also be unreliable. Walls, other devices, and even your microwave can mess with the signal, leading to high ping.

4. Background Apps Hogging Bandwidth

Got other people streaming Netflix, downloading large files, or watching YouTube in 4K while you’re trying to game? Yeah, that’s eating up your bandwidth and cranking up your ping.

5. Outdated Hardware

Old routers, modems, or Ethernet cables can bottleneck your connection and increase latency. Similarly, if your gaming device can’t handle the game properly, it’ll affect your overall experience.

Best Internet Accessories to Reduce Ping and Improve Gameplay

Now that we know what causes high ping, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: How do you fix it? It’s all about upgrading your gaming setup with the right internet accessories. Here are some must-haves:

1. Ethernet Cable

If you’re still gaming over Wi-Fi, let me stop you right there. A wired Ethernet connection is hands-down the best way to reduce ping and ensure a stable connection. Think of Wi-Fi like a bumpy dirt road and Ethernet like a freshly paved highway. The latter will always get you to your destination faster.

When picking an Ethernet cable, go for a Cat 6 or Cat 7. These are designed for high-speed data transfer and low latency. Plus, they’re not as expensive as you might think.

2. Gaming Router

Not all routers are created equal. A gaming router is specifically designed to prioritize gaming traffic, which means less interference and lower ping. Look for one with features like QoS (Quality of Service), which lets you allocate bandwidth to your gaming device.

Some great options include the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 or the Netgear Nighthawk XR500. These routers not only look cool but also deliver the performance you need.

3. Mesh Wi-Fi System

If you absolutely have to game over Wi-Fi (and I get it, not everyone wants cables running through their living room), then a mesh Wi-Fi system is your best bet. It eliminates dead zones in your home and gives you a more consistent connection. Popular systems like the Google Nest Wi-Fi or TP-Link Deco can make a huge difference.

4. Powerline Adapters

No Ethernet jack near your gaming setup? No problem. Powerline adapters let you use your home’s electrical wiring to create a wired connection. It’s like magic! Just plug one adapter into the wall near your router and the other near your gaming device, and you’re good to go.

5. Network Switch

If you've got multiple devices that need an Ethernet connection (PC, console, smart TV, etc.), a network switch can come to the rescue. It’s like an extension cord for your Ethernet cables, making it easier to connect everything without constantly swapping cables.

6. Ping Monitoring Tools

Finally, consider downloading a ping monitoring tool to keep an eye on your latency. Tools like PingPlotter or WinMTR can help you identify what’s causing your high ping, whether it’s your ISP, a game server, or something else.

Pro Tips for Reducing Ping Without Upgrading Gear

Not ready to splurge on new accessories? No worries. Here are a few easy fixes:

- Close Unnecessary Apps: Shut down any apps or tabs that are hogging your bandwidth.
- Update Your Firmware and Drivers: Keeping your router and gaming device updated can sometimes make a world of difference.
- Restart Your Router: It’s the classic "have you tried turning it off and on again?" trick, and it works more often than you’d think.
- Switch Servers: If your game has multiple server options, choose the one closest to your location.

Final Thoughts

Ping might not get as much attention as flashy graphics cards or jaw-dropping gaming monitors, but it’s the unsung hero of online gaming. A low ping can make the difference between a gaming session filled with smooth, responsive gameplay and one that's riddled with frustrating lag and missed opportunities.

By understanding what ping is, why it matters, and how to reduce it (with or without upgrading your gear), you’ll be well on your way to dominating the leaderboards. So, what are you waiting for? Grab an Ethernet cable, optimize your setup, and let the games begin!