What is high ping and how to improve it?

Ping is a measure of how fast data travels from your device to a server on the internet and back. It’s like a virtual echo – you send a small message (ping) to a server, and it replies. The time it takes for this round trip is your ping. Low ping is crucial because it reflects the responsiveness of your internet connection. Imagine playing an online game or having a video call; a low ping means less delay, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience. It’s like having a quick conversation instead of waiting for responses. Low ping is important for a speedy and reliable internet connection, especially in activities where real-time interaction matters.

What is high internet ping and why does it matter?

High internet ping is when the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back is longer. This can happen due to various reasons like network congestion or distance. For gamers and remote workers, having a high ping is like having a slow conversation with the internet. In games, it means delays and lags, making the gameplay less smooth and enjoyable. For remote workers relying on video calls or accessing online resources, high ping can lead to disruptions and slower performance. In simple terms, a high ping is like a slow internet conversation, causing delays and affecting the quality of online activities. 

What causes high ping?

High ping can be caused by various factors that affect the speed of data travel between your device and the internet server. 

💹Overloaded network 

When many devices connect to the same router, it’s like a busy party where everyone wants attention. This can overload the network, causing data congestion. Imagine too many people trying to talk at once – it gets confusing and slow. Similarly, when a lot of devices use the same router, it can lead to slower response times and more lag. So, if you notice your internet acting sluggish, it could be because the network is overloaded with too many devices trying to communicate at the same time.

🦥Slow internet connection 

When your internet is slow,  everything takes longer. Slow internet speed means the server, the online meeting place for your device, responds slowly, causing lag. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to future-proof your broadband connection. Think of it like making sure your road is wide enough for all the cars – a faster connection can handle more data without slowing down. So, by future-proofing your broadband, you reduce the chances of having high ping and ensure a smoother, quicker online experience.

🔭Distance from servers

Imagine your internet connection as a long-distance race. If you connect to a server in another country, it’s like making your data run a marathon before reaching its destination. This long travel makes your ping higher, causing delays. To keep things speedy, it’s a good idea to choose a server closer to home. It’s like picking a race nearby – your data won’t have to travel as far, resulting in lower ping and faster response times. So, when you can, select a server closer to home for a smoother and quicker internet experience.

🚦Background congestion 

Just like a busy kitchen can slow down a chef, having too many things happening on your internet can slow it down too. Software updates, app updates, and ongoing apps running in the background are like a lot of cooks in the kitchen – it gets crowded. To keep your internet from feeling overwhelmed, it’s a good idea to review updates and running apps regularly. Make sure everything is streamlined, like keeping the kitchen organised, so your internet can stay fast and responsive.

📍Router placement 

If your router is placed too far from your device, it can lead to a weaker internet connection and cause lag or slow performance. It’s like having a conversation where the voices get faint the farther you are from each other. To avoid this, make sure your router is closer to your device. Test your connection before important activities, like checking it before a crucial online task, to ensure a strong and reliable internet connection without delays or slowdowns.

How to improve your ping 

To ensure a smoother online experience it’s essential to address the issues above, whether you’re a heavy internet user or casual.

📞 Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve addressed the issues above yet your internet speed hasn’t improved, it’s advisable to get in touch with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs are the experts who can assist with larger-scale problems. If your online experience is still slower than expected despite your efforts, contacting your ISP allows them to investigate and provide guidance on potential solutions or upgrades to enhance your internet speed.

🔌Wired connection

Opting for a wired connection over Wi-Fi brings significant advantages in terms of improving data transfer and reducing ping. With a wired connection, data moves more efficiently and directly between your device and the internet, resulting in lower latency and faster response times. This is particularly beneficial for online activities such as gaming or video conferencing, where a stable and quick connection is crucial.

🦠Malware or Viruses 

Scanning your computer or device for malware or viruses is a crucial step in improving your ping and overall internet performance. Malware and viruses can secretly consume your device’s resources and network bandwidth, leading to slower response times. By ensuring your device is free from malicious software, you eliminate potential bottlenecks in your system, allowing data to flow more smoothly between your device and the internet. This proactive measure helps maintain a healthy and efficient connection, contributing to lower ping and a better overall online experience.

🧪Running diagnostic tests

Running diagnostic tests, such as speed tests, is a valuable practice to identify issues affecting your ping. These tests help pinpoint specific areas where slowdowns may be occurring. If the results show that your current internet plan is not providing the desired speed or low latency, upgrading to a higher-speed plan can enhance your overall internet experience, resulting in lower ping. A faster internet plan means data travels more quickly between your device and the server, reducing the time it takes for a response and minimising lag. Regularly running diagnostic tests and considering plan upgrades ensure that you are getting the most out of your internet service, contributing to improved ping.

Conclusion

However, if despite your efforts, issues persist, seeking professional help is a wise choice. Professionals can diagnose and resolve more complex issues to ensure optimal internet performance. For reliable and high-speed broadband services, explore Jurassic Fibre’s broadband page. Visit here.