Chances are, you've come across the term 'ping' in the context of your internet performance, particularly if you're an avid online gamer. You might also have encountered the concept of latency, which is often used interchangeably with ping, though they aren't precisely the same thing.
How does it function?
A ping test, much like a speed test, serves as a tool to assess your internet connection and provide insights into its performance.
When you initiate a ping command, it sends a single data packet to a specified server (the host) with an 'echo' request. If the host is available, it responds by sending the packet back. The time taken for the packet to travel to the host and return is measured in milliseconds, commonly referred to as the 'round trip time' (RTT).
The lower the RTT, the better your online performance. This is particularly noticeable in online gaming, where instant and real-time responses are crucial for the best possible experience.
Dealing with High Ping
There can be various reasons for experiencing high ping. If you encounter a high ping reading while playing a game, several factors may contribute to it.
The primary factor leading to poor ping is the geographical distance to the server you're connecting to. For instance, if you're playing on an Australian-based server, your ping will likely be lower than if you were on an American server.
A practical approach to assess your overall ping is to conduct a simple speed test. When using an external speed test application, it's advisable to select a server based in Brisbane if possible (Capti's server is a suitable choice). If you're using a different speed test site or application, we recommend using Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test by Ookla.
For comprehensive information on investigating speed issues related to your connection, please refer to our helpful guide on "My Internet Is Slow. Who Should I Contact for Assistance?"
If you have any further queries concerning your ping, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. They are more than willing to assist you.