What is ping? We have compiled all the details you asked about ping, which is one of the most important factors determining online game performance. When you're just starting to explore the world of computing from scratch, the terminology for various parts and systems can seem confusing.
What is Ping?
Particularly common in online games, Ping is a unit of measure that measures the rate at which a data signal travels from one location (like the computer you're using) to another (like the server of the game you're currently playing).
It is usually measured in ms (milliseconds).
Ping consists of a single packet containing an "echo request". This packet is typically 32 or 56 bytes in size. The host that this packet reaches also responds to this request with a single packet. The ping time in milliseconds we often see represents the time it takes for the packet to reach the host, respond and come back. It's kind of a round trip time.
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In this case, we can call it a delay.
What Does Ping Do?
So what does ping do in our daily lives Simply put, ping has two different purposes.
- Check if the host is available.
- Measure how long it takes to get a response from the host.
How to Measure Ping
In online games you can usually view the ping from the control panel. Apart from that, you can measure the ping level from your computer's command prompt.
- Press Windows + S to open the application.
- Type Command Prompt in the window that opens.
- On the command screen, enter ping + the host's domain name or IP address.
- For example, ping thegamerstation.com.
- Then press ENTER.
What Affects Ping?
When it comes to ping, latency is all about physical distance. So if you live in Izmir and connect to a server in Berlin, you will get higher ping values than a server in Istanbul.
If the game you're playing has high ping levels, it's usually because the game servers are far from where you are. Apart from this, common factors can be listed as follows: Physical distance from the host. Internet connection speed. Internet connection strength. If the connection is weak or very slow, the ping will increase. However, as mentioned earlier, the main factor here is the physical distance between the user and the host server.
How to Lower Ping?
The most important thing you can do to lower your ping is to connect to the closest server in the game. This will decrease the ping value. Also, make sure you have a stable and strong internet connection.
What is Ideal Ping?
The ideal response time for online games is 50ms or less. Still, 100ms or less is enough to play the game. Otherwise, unwanted problems may occur.