Fighting the Lag Monster
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the Lag Monster
Fighting the Lag Monster, by Senior Counselor Mindtrip and Counselor Jondolar; edited by Xena Dragon |
Fighting the Lag Monster
As all online gamers are aware, Internet lag can ruin an otherwise perfectly good gaming experience. However, what most players are unaware is that there are lots of things that can be done to fine tune your system for better Internet play. In most of our calls as counselors, we invariably find that the Internet does not cause the lag but rather the user’s settings are not configured correctly.
The purpose of this essay is to provide steps that players can perform to check their system for proper setup for Internet play. These advanced methods have provided great results for successful relatively lag-free experiences in nearly every kind of online game out on the market. Please understand though, that even on your best day, the unpredictability of downed routers, broken fiber optic lines, and a variety of other Internet issues will always be around.
With that in mind, lets look at what can be done to get you playing with less lag:
Analog Modem and Port Settings
Here you will find the proper settings for analog modems as well as the proper port speed settings for optimum performance.
While I believe the following will help a great many people who suffer the wrath of lag, please keep in mind that if you have not updated your modem driver in the last six months you should do so in addition to checking and/or changing the settings below. Follow the simple steps listed below carefully to configure your system for optimal online performance. Please keep in mind that there is a small risk associated with changing these settings and that you and you alone assume all risk in changing these settings. I recommend writing down all of your current settings so that should a problem arise you can easily revert to your old settings.
Modem Settings
Click on the Downloads link on the left and download the Freeware version, bottom right of the downloads page.
** Note to WinModem users**
Most of the folks who buy pre-made computers such as Compaq, Packard Bell and the like will find that they cannot adjust their port speed settings as described above. The program iSpeed will still be a huge help to you.
Senior Counselor Mindtrip, Chesapeake Shard
Counselor Jondolar, Chesapeake Shard
Last modified: October 20, 2011