In some areas, Windstream offers high-bandwidth symmetrical fiber connections, which is about as good an internet service can get for gaming. However, Windshield still offers DSL internet in many remote rural areas. Windstream DSL is not as good for gaming as fiber, but it’s still better than fixed wireless access and satellite internet.
This guide lists seven factors that make Windstream Internet good for gaming. We also review all Windstream internet plans for your consideration. Let’s get started.
7 Factors that Make Windstream Internet Service Good For Gaming?
Low Latency (Ping)
Imagine you’re in the heat of an intense online battle, your finger twitching on the trigger, and you need your commands to translate into the game instantly. Low latency ensures that your actions are executed with as little delay as possible. This split-second advantage can make all the difference in pro gaming leagues.
Windstream offers fiber internet in many of its service areas. Fiber connections allow for very low latency compared to traditional cable connections. Windstream customer service can tell you if fiber is available in your area.
Windsream’s DSL service, which may be the only option in some remote areas, also features lower latency than other rural internet service types, such as fixed wireless access and satellite internet.
Sufficient Bandwidth
Think of bandwidth as the width of a highway. While gaming may not hog the entire road, having ample bandwidth ensures a smooth flow of traffic when multiple devices are online. It’s like adding extra lanes to the highway, preventing traffic jams that could otherwise disrupt your gaming journey.
Fiber internet offers high bandwidth, which means it can handle a significant amount of data simultaneously. High bandwidth also helps prevent lag during multiplayer gaming, ensuring the game runs smoothly.
Windstream, in particular, appears to have a lot of extra bandwidth in its networks. It recently announced a new 8 Gbps plan available to 400,000 across 18 states, making it the largest 8-gig internet provider in the US.
Stable and Consistent Speed
In gaming, a stable and consistent speed is your finely tuned engine. It assures that your data transmission maintains a consistent pace throughout the race. Any sudden drops can throw you off the track, causing your gaming experience to skid into chaos.
Fiber optic connections are known for their stability and reliability. They are less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic sources and environmental factors, such as bad weather. Windstream Fiber keeps you constantly connected to the game server so you don’t miss a single frame.
Low Packet Loss
Packet loss is a common problem in copper cables. It’s as if the story you’re reading suddenly has gaps, making it hard to follow and disrupting the flow. When a data packet is lost in transit, it has to be resent, causing a sudden spike in latency.
Fiber connections are more resistant to external factors that could corrupt data packets. That’s not to say fiber internet is accessible from packet loss, but they’re less common.
Wired Connection
Most gamers know Ethernet connections allow for lower ping and more reliable connectivity than WiFi connections. But whether the internet service is delivered via a wired connection is just as important.
Fixed wireless access and satellite internet are two options against Windstream. But even if Windstream Fiber isn’t available, its DSL service will be much better for competitive online gaming than any wireless internet service.
Network Congestion
Network congestion is like a rush-hour traffic jam on the information superhighway. To avoid being stuck in this digital traffic, schedule your gaming sessions during the tranquil hours when the lanes are clear, ensuring a smooth and expedited journey to your gaming destination.
However, network congestion is only a consequence of insufficient bandwidth, which we’ve established Windstream Fiber doesn’t suffer from.
Symmetrical Speeds
Symmetrical speeds may not improve the gaming experience, but it’s a feature many gamers look for. Symmetrical speeds mean that the maximum upload speed of the internet connection is just as high as the download speed. Increased upload speeds allow you to stream your gaming sessions in higher quality without taking a toll on download speeds.
Windstream Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds for all fiber plans. Even the started 500 Mbps is fast enough for pro gaming and high-quality live-streaming.
Windstream Internet Plans for Gaming
Windstream’s Fiber internet plans are better for gaming than its DSL service. However, DSL is still better than wireless internet services. Here are the internet plans Windstream currently offers:
Kinetic Internet Basic
Windstream’s Kinetic Internet Basic plan is priced at just $39.99 monthly for the first 12 months. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to dip their toes into high-speed internet without breaking the bank. With a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, you can breeze through online tasks and enjoy basic video streaming. This plan is a budget-friendly option that won’t leave your wallet feeling empty.
Kinetic Fiber Internet
Now, let’s talk about the Kinetic Fiber Internet plan. At the same enticing price of $39.99 per month for the first 12 months, you’re getting a considerable upgrade in speed. With a maximum speed of 500 Mbps, you’re in for a treat. Say goodbye to buffering and lag – this plan is perfect for HD video streaming, online gaming, and hosting a family of devices. You’re getting bang for your buck here.
Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG
For enthusiasts and power users, Windstream presents the Kinetic Fiber Internet GIG plan at $69.99 monthly for the first 12 months. It’s a steal, considering you’re getting 1000 Mbps of speed. Think about it – you can stream 4K content without a hiccup, download large files in the blink of an eye, and quickly work from home. This plan screams value, especially for those who crave speed and quality.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG
Now, hold onto your seats because things are about to get wild. The Kinetic Fiber Internet 2 GIG plan delivers jaw-dropping speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. It’s like strapping a rocket to your internet connection. This plan is designed for the tech-savvy, the gamers, the 8K video streamers, and anyone who demands the absolute best. However, consider that availability and pricing might play a game of hide and seek, depending on your location.
Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG
Finally, we have the Kinetic Fiber Internet 8 GIG plan. It’s not just fast; it’s mind-bogglingly fast at 8000 Mbps. It’s the speed that can make your internet dreams come true. Think 8K video streaming on multiple devices, seamless online gaming, and whatever else you can imagine. But, once again, remember that availability and pricing can be a bit of a mystery, depending on your location.
Conclusion
With ultra-low latency afforded by fiber internet and high bandwidth that can support speeds up to 8 Gbps in many areas, Windstream Fiber Internet is good for gaming. Windstream DSL, offered in more remote rural areas, is not as good as fiber. But it’s still superior to other rural internet connections for gaming.
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