Want a better gaming experience? Reduce latency with fiber
Posted: April 25, 2025 | Word Count: 528

As a gamer, you know that the difference between victory and defeat is mere milliseconds. Your team is about to secure the W, but because of an ill-timed internet lag, you miss the shot. Second place is the first loser.
You don't have to accept defeat. The next time you hop on with friends to decimate some lobbies, make sure your internet latency is up to the challenge.
What is latency and why does it matter?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and the game server. When you have high latency, you may experience delays and lag that can lead to game-over scenarios. Low latency, however, ensures smooth, real-time gameplay. Low latency is also important for video calls, streaming, virtual reality and more.
Many issues can improve or worsen latency. Lag may be caused by hardware issues, router placement or relying on Wi-Fi for gaming. However, these possible latency causes are secondary to the main culprit: the type of internet you're paying for.
How your internet source determines latency
Latency is often measured as ping in milliseconds. A low ping ensures immediate reaction times, while a high ping can lead to lag, making gameplay choppy and frustrating.
The type of internet you use can have a big impact on latency. Cable and DSL connections rely on transmitting their signals on copper wiring, whereas fiber internet providers like Ziply Fiber transmit data via light signals through glass strands. Light travels much faster than electrical signals in copper wires, which can result in faster data transmission and a more consistent and reliable connection.
Typical latency numbers for cable internet are 20-50 milliseconds, which is suitable for casual gaming but not ideal for competitive play. If you use DSL, you'll likely experience noticeable delays and lag because of its high 50-100 millisecond latency. On the other hand, fiber's low latency usually offers 5-20 milliseconds for near-instantaneous responses.
Unlock a low-lag gaming experience
Simply put, if you're tired of slow response times while gaming, it may be time to switch to fiber.
Fiber internet is tailor-made for gamers, providing lightning-fast speeds, minimal latency and a stable, responsive connection that gaming demands. That means fewer delays and a more responsive end-to-end online gaming experience.
Cable companies have been promising network improvements for years, but many have yet to deliver on that promise. Even those that have optimized their networks only offer lower latency connections to customers in certain cities and only for specific game applications.
On the other hand, fiber internet providers like Ziply Fiber provide everyone on their network with low latency and fast speeds today. What app you're using doesn't matter. All applications, all connections and all customers get the same low-latency treatment.
Ready to play?
Whether you're battling foes, exploring new worlds or testing your gaming skills, an optimized internet connection can make all the difference. Ziply's state-of-the-art technology and dedicated support team are here to empower your gaming so you can enjoy every moment with a reliable, best-in-class latency available across its entire network.
Faster internet is available today. To gear up, level up and game with confidence, visit ZiplyFiber.com/Gaming.