Is fiber internet for gaming really the best option? Yes, and in this guide, we explain why.
Keep reading to learn why so many gamers are making the switch. However, let’s first cover some basics.
What Is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet is a type of broadband that uses fiber optic cables to deliver high-speed internet. It’s known for offering faster speeds, greater reliability, and lower latency than cable and DSL.
Unlike older technologies, fiber is built to handle modern internet demands, from gaming and streaming to remote work and smart home setups.
How Does Fiber Internet Work?
Fiber internet works by first converting digital information into pulses of light. These light signals are then sent at incredible speeds through fiber optic cables made of glass or plastic.
When the light reaches its destination, special equipment changes it back into electrical signals your devices can interpret and use.
Why Fiber Internet For Gaming Is The Best Choice
1. Fiber Internet for Gaming Is More Reliable
There are a few reasons why fiber internet is more reliable than cable and DSL, but a big one is the way fiber optic cables transmit data. Because the data is transmitted as light, it can cover longer distances more quickly while maintaining better signal strength and quality.
Signal Strength Over Distance
As a general rule, fiber lines can maintain signal strength for 6 to 25 miles without amplification, whereas copper cables typically maintain signal quality for up to about 328 feet and DSL for up to about 3 miles from the provider’s central office.
To be fair, copper and DSL systems utilize various techniques to extend their range. However, these solutions add complexity and cost and can introduce additional problems.
DSL and Distance Limitations
It’s worth noting that DSL relies on phone lines that inherently weaken in signal the farther you are from your internet provider. DSL (and copper cables) can also be affected by electronics, radio signals, and nearby power lines, which can make the connection less reliable over long distances.
Congestion and Shared Lines
Moreover, as it regards copper cables, they are prone to congestion during peak hours because they generally use shared lines. So, if you live in a residential neighborhood and a bunch of people start streaming videos, gaming online, or making video calls at the same time, this can lead to lag or dropped connections.
While residential fiber can and sometimes does operate on a shared network, it’s still more consistent than cable, thanks to its ability to maintain high speeds and signal quality over long distances. Also, note that dedicated fiber lines are available if you need even greater reliability.
2. Fiber Optic Internet Has Lower Latency
What Is Latency?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. The lower the latency, the more responsive and “in sync” your actions will be, which is paramount for gamers.
Having a super-fast internet plan doesn’t guarantee smooth gameplay if your latency is high. For online gaming, it’s low latency, not just high speed, that makes your actions register quickly.
Why Fiber Optic Internet Has Lower Latency
Fiber optic internet experiences lower latency than cable and DSL because it transmits data using light instead of electricity. Moreover, it is capable of achieving much greater bandwidth, allowing it to accommodate more users and devices during peak usage times in heavily populated areas.
On top of that, fiber can send and receive data at the same time—a feature known as full-duplex communication. However, not all fiber networks offer this capability. It depends on how the network is set up.
3. Fiber Internet Reduces Packet Loss
What Is Packet Loss?
Packet loss occurs when data traveling across a network fails to reach its destination. Even a small amount of packet loss can negatively impact or even ruin a real-time gaming experience.
Why Fiber Optic Internet Reduces Packet Loss
We’ve explained why fiber leads to better reliability and lower latency, but did you know those same strengths also help minimize packet loss?
Additionally, fiber infrastructure is generally more up-to-date than DSL and cable. In fact, much of the infrastructure for fiber internet is being built right now, while cable and DSL rely on decades-old infrastructure originally designed for TV and phone service.
While no network is 100% immune to packet loss, fiber’s infrastructure eliminates the most common causes tied to outdated copper and DSL systems.
4. Fiber Internet Minimizes Jitter
Jitter is the variation in latency over time. So, if your connection has high jitter, your game could run perfectly fine one day, and the next, it could lag and jump around unpredictably.
This type of unpredictability is unacceptable for gaming, especially if you’re playing competitively or aiming for pro-level performance. You can’t be in the middle of an intense match and suddenly have your internet stop working; even a split-second disruption can cost you the win.
Fiber Optic Internet Reduces Jitter and Other Problems
Jitter, packet loss, and latency go hand in hand, so eliminating their root causes with fiber internet dramatically improves overall internet performance. The bottom line: Latency, packet loss, and jitter are minimal when you have a quality fiber optic internet solution.
5. Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds
One of fiber internet’s biggest advantages is its ability to deliver symmetrical speeds, i.e., upload and download speeds that are the same. Not all providers offer this, but the technology supports it.
This is key because, while you only need about 25 to 50 Mbps for online multiplayer games and significantly less for single-player titles, gaming today isn’t just about the gameplay itself. It’s about downloading huge game files, streaming your gameplay, and uploading clips and updates.
That’s where symmetrical speeds really matter.
Wecom Fiber offers symmetrical internet speeds to ensure an incredible gaming experience.
Warning: Please Remember This About Fiber Internet
Fiber internet is better than DSL and cable, but it can be affected by poor installation, physical damage to the line or receiver, and other issues. If you do notice issues with your fiber line, ask your provider to run a fiber “true test.”
If your installation is new and the company knows what they’re doing, you probably won’t run into issues. Usually, the biggest drawback to fiber internet isn’t performance; it’s availability. In some areas, gamers may wait years for fiber to reach their neighborhood, especially in rural or underserved regions.
A good solution? Choose a provider committed to expanding access. That’s exactly what Wecom Fiber does. We bring high-speed fiber internet to communities in Arizona.
Reasons Why Fiber Internet for Gaming Is Best – Conclusion
If you don’t have a fiber internet line but want one, you need a telecommunications provider that specializes in lightning-fast fiber internet and knows how to install it properly—that way, you get the benefits fiber is built to deliver. Wecom Fiber has extensive experience in this area.
We’ve delivered connectivity to Arizona communities for decades, with a strong focus today on expanding fiber optic internet across rural and underserved areas.
Our mission is to ensure every Arizonan has access to fast, reliable internet. Please see our Fiber Network Map to see the areas we currently serve.
