Gaming broadband

Gaming broadband explained

Although still a relatively small sector of the videogame industry, internet gaming is increasing in popularity exponentially, and it has never been easier to get involved. This guide will take you through a few things to take into consideration if you decide that you want to start gaming on the internet.

Award-winning gaming broadband

See who won the award in the gaming broadband category in the Top 10 Broadband Awards gaming broadband

Choosing gaming broadband:

• Speed- obviously you are looking for as fast a connection as possible.
• Download allowance- download limits are soon reached when gaming intensively, so if you‘re a high internet user you might prefer an unlimited package.
• Low latency
• No throttle
• Static IP
• Low contention ratio
• Avoid ISPs that use datastream- such as Tiscali and Bulldog, as internet speeds slow down as the telephone exchange becomes busier with datastream.

Gaming broadband ISPs

The following broadband providers excel in offering great-value gaming broadband packages:

• Be's Unlmited and Pro packages offer speeds of up to 24Mb and a range of support systems especially for their customers
• O2's premium and pro packages are extremely popular with gamers
• [PlusNet](/broadband/providers/plusnet/ PlusNet Broadband") offer excellent support for gamers using their PlusNet Pro for Gaming package
• TalkTalk's Pro deal is optimised for gaming and offers connections of up to 24Mb.
• Virgin Media's super fast fibre optic broadband packages minimise 'ping' to provide customers with the smoothest gaming experience possible.

Gaming consoles and broadband:

• PC - Connecting to the internet is simple enough.
• PSP, PS3, Wii or DS - Pretty simple to connect too and these three have wireless capability - just make sure your wireless router is compatible.
• Xbox 360- You're going to need to buy a wireless adapter, or connect directly to a modem.
• Playstation 2, or Xbox, or older- You may have to buy additional hardware such as a network adaptor.

Note: - Some internet games require subscription payments even after you have bought the game. Mostly these are MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) such as the very popular World of Warcraft. This is because when you play these games you involve yourself in a community that needs maintenance, hence the subscription.

However, if you just want to race someone on the other side of the world on Mario Kart DS, then your DS will connect immediately through a wireless network straight out of the box.