The topics of this press release:

• What is ping?
• Use these tips to optimise your ping
• The best way to access the Internet
• The ideal solution for long distances
• Prices and availability

What is ping?

The ping value is a parameter which reflects the response times of internet connections, the so-called latency of the connection. In other words, ping describes the time span between the dispatch of a data package to a receiver and the receipt of the answer package sent back in response. When making phone calls via the internet or during online gaming, a good ping value is important since even very small delays can quickly become noticeable. Especially in fast, action-packed games, a low ping rate enables you to react more quickly than your opponent. The following principle therefore applies: the lower the ping value, the better gaming experience it is.

Use these tips to optimise your ping:

 1. Replace the router

If the ping rate is not low enough, this may be due to the router. A simple restart is sometimes sufficient. However, the devices supplied by the provider are also frequently insufficient for a good ping. Replacement by a better device may then improve ping.

2. Update the game

The problem is sometimes attributable to an error in the utilised game version. An update to the latest version may therefore help to reduce latency.

3. Reduce data transmission

Simultaneous use of a large number of devices reduces the data transmission speed per terminal device, thus increasing the latency for each terminal device. The best thing to do is to switch off the devices which are not actually required. More bandwidth for the specific gaming terminal device is therefore available throughout the game. It is also advisable not to use VPN connections or proxy services.

4. Make a connection to the next available server

The region where the games server is located can be set for some games. If possible, select a server close by, since the ping rate also automatically increases with the distance over which the transmitted data must travel.

The best way to access the Internet

Wi-Fi is the most popular connection technology for casual gamers. Radio technology is also entirely adequate for most casual games. However, a stable Wi-Fi network depends on many external factors. Generally speaking, walls and ceilings make Wi-Fi slower. This quickly leads to problems if the router is too far away. Most professional gamers, therefore, prefer to use a direct connection to the router with a LAN cable. However, the router is often not located in the room where you want to play games. In this case Powerline is the best alternative. The infrastructure required here is already available in every house since Powerline works like a long data cable. Powerline adapters, such as the Magic Series from devolo, transmit the internet signals via the power line in the house from the router to the required power socket. A new internet access point can therefore be installed in any required room in no time at all. In addition to LAN ports, many devolo devices also feature Wi-Fi functionality with new mesh technology featured. Mesh Wi-Fi is highly suitable for casual gamers and many other multimedia applications, e.g. music and video streaming, in order to use high-speed wireless internet all over the house.

The ideal solution for long distances

Powerline has many advantages compared with purely Wi-Fi-based solutions since a long distance to the router, thick walls, underfloor heating or reinforced concrete ceilings make the Wi-Fi signal slower. By contrast, Powerline technology easily overcomes long distances with the result that an internet connection with high transmission stability is available at every power socket.

Prices and availability

devolo Magic is available in LAN and Wi-Fi-capable versions. devolo Magic 1 is the inexpensive entry-level kit for the product series. The devolo Magic 1 WiFi Starter Kit is available starting at €99.90. The recommended retail price for the high-end product devolo Magic 2 WiFi Starter Kit is €199.90. devolo offers a 3-year guarantee on all products.