With the rise of online gaming, many Australians are turning to satellite internet as a way to connect to the internet in rural or remote areas. However, many gamers are concerned about whether satellite internet is suitable for gaming, as it is often associated with high latency and low bandwidth. In this article, we will explore the suitability of satellite internet for gaming in Australia and discuss the factors that can affect gaming performance.
Latency and Bandwidth
Latency, also known as ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the gaming server and back. A high latency can cause delays in game actions, making it difficult to play competitively. Bandwidth, on the other hand, is the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time period. A low bandwidth can cause games to run slowly or even stall.
When it comes to satellite internet, latency can be high due to the distance that the signal needs to travel. The signal must travel from your computer to the satellite in space, and then back down to the gaming server. This can add additional delay to the signal, making it difficult to play games that require quick reactions or precise timing.
Bandwidth is also a concern with satellite internet, as the signal is often shared among multiple users. This can cause the signal to become congested, resulting in slow download and upload speeds.
Satellite Internet Providers in Australia
In Australia, there are several satellite internet providers that offer services for gaming. These providers often offer plans with higher bandwidth and lower latency than other satellite internet providers. Some of the top providers for gaming include:
- nbn Sky Muster: This provider offers plans with up to 25Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds.
- Optus: This provider offers plans with up to 25Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds.
- Viasat: This provider offers plans with up to 25Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds.
- Starlink: This provider, owned by SpaceX, is currently in beta testing in Australia, but it’s expected to offer high-speed satellite internet with low latency. Starlink is aiming to provide speeds of up to 100Mbps and latency of 20ms or lower.
Conclusion
While satellite internet can be suitable for gaming in Australia, it is important to consider the latency and bandwidth of the service. High latency and low bandwidth can cause delays and slow performance in games. If you are looking for a satellite internet provider for gaming, it is recommended to research the plans offered by the providers mentioned above. Additionally, it’s important to note that other factors such as the type of game, the device you’re using, and the number of players online can also affect gaming performance.
In summary, with the right provider, satellite internet can be suitable for gaming in Australia. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the service and choose a plan that fits your needs. Starlink, for example, is a new provider that promises to offer low latency and high speeds, making it a great option for gamers, but it’s currently in beta testing and not yet widely available.
