Identify the cause and optimize settings to minimize network latency.
Identify the cause and optimize settings to minimize network latency.
Hey there, I understand the situation in Australia. Most people who live here are familiar with the NBN story. Before the big upgrade to fibre, the government switched to FTTN, which cost more and caused problems. Since then, I've experienced inconsistent latency while playing multiplayer games—sometimes around 60ms, other times up to 300ms. My speed tests show a consistent ping of about 11ms, but spikes still occur. It seems the extra distance through the range extender is affecting performance, though the fibre issue might not be the main cause. I'm curious if running Ethernet directly through your home could help, or if the current fibre rollout is the real bottleneck. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Well, if the speedtest shows a 11 ms ping, it means the distance between your device and the speedtest server is short. These servers are typically close, sometimes even managed by your internet service provider, so you should have a stable connection. A consistent high delay between your PC and your router or internet provider usually indicates the issue, as a 11 ms is considered decent. Likely, the lag in games comes from a weak connection between your ISP and the game server—perhaps because of distance or poor local internet. In such cases, using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi can provide more reliable performance. At least test without a Wi-Fi extender and connect to your primary network, as extenders often perform poorly.
You're confusing the setup, using an extender as a dedicated network card. It's not transmitting directly. I've removed the Ethernet cable from it and connected it to my PC. The speedtest servers aren't managed by my ISP, and the game is Overwatch—ping isn't a major issue for me. It usually stays around 60 ms, but it spikes to 300 or more occasionally. I'll keep this in mind and appreciate the help.
You're right about the bandwidth reduction, but it could still contribute to delays, particularly with outdated WiFi protocols or internal antenna setups where components are tightly packed. Adding a PCIe WiFi card might help remove that risk, especially if it includes a detachable antenna for better positioning.