Ever been in the middle of an intense online match, only to have your character freeze or teleport across the map?
Or maybe you’re trying to have a smooth video call, but the audio keeps cutting out? If you’ve experienced these frustrating issues, you might be dealing with ping jitter.
Let’s get in a ride to understand how it works, what are its main causes and the troubleshooting guide to solve this annoying issue.
Also, check out what are ping spikes and how to reduce it.
What is ping jitter?
In the realm of online gaming and communication, ping jitter is a silent saboteur. It refers to the inconsistency in the time it takes for data packets to travel from your device to a server and back.
Unlike high ping, which indicates a consistently slow connection, jitter causes unpredictable delays. It’s like having a highway with fluctuating speed limits – sometimes you zoom along, other times you’re stuck in traffic.
This variability wreaks havoc on real-time applications, leading to lag, stuttering, and other disruptions.
Examples of jitter ping spikes
Imagine you’re in a fast-paced shooter game. You line up the perfect shot, but due to a sudden ping jitter spike, your input is delayed, and you miss.
Or you’re in a crucial team fight in a MOBA, and your character suddenly rubberbands back to a previous position, leaving you vulnerable.
These are just a few examples of how jitter ping spikes can ruin your gaming experience.
How to fix ping and reduce jitter?
Identifying the root cause of jitter is the first step toward fixing it.
Often, common culprits include network congestion, outdated hardware, interference from other devices, and even issues with your internet service provider (ISP).
- If you suspect network congestion, try limiting the number of devices connected to your network or prioritizing your gaming traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router;
- Consider upgrading your router or modem if they’re old and struggling to keep up with modern demands;
- Make sure your network drivers and firmware are up to date;
- If you’ve tried everything else, it might be time to contact your ISP to see if there are any issues on their end.
Network troubleshooting to manage jitter
To effectively manage jitter, you need the right tools. Several online tools and software can help you measure your ping and jitter, giving you a clear picture of your network’s performance.
Firstly, once you’ve identified the problem areas, you can take targeted steps to reduce jitter.
- Consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection;
- Close any bandwidth-hungry applications running in the background;
- If all else fails, a dedicated gaming VPN like ExitLag can help you bypass network congestion and find a more optimal route to the game server, reducing jitter and improving your overall gaming experience.
Therefore, with this network troubleshooting you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Tips to improve your gaming performance
Beyond addressing ping jitter, several other best practices can help you achieve stable network performance and improve your gaming experience.
Beforehand, keep your PC or console well-maintained and optimized for gaming, and make sure your game is up-to-date, and running on the latest patches.
Also, choose a server location that’s geographically closer to you to reduce latency, and try to avoid gaming during peak hours when network congestion is likely to be high.
ExitLag: your best ally against a lousy connection rate
Dealing with ping jitter can be frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable. With the right knowledge and tools, you can troubleshoot your network, reduce jitter, and enjoy a smoother online experience.
Also, if you’re looking for an extra edge, ExitLag can be your best ally in the fight against lag and jitter. By optimizing your connection and providing access to a global network of dedicated servers, ExitLag can help you achieve the stable, low-latency connection you need to dominate in your favorite games.
So why wait? Try ExitLag today and experience the difference for yourself.
