Fiber optic internet connection?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the installation of fiber optic internet and its potential impact on online gaming performance, specifically regarding ping and lag. Participants also touch on the relevance of operating systems and browser choices in relation to internet speed and performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant anticipates significant improvements in ping and lag with the switch to fiber optic internet for online gaming.
  • Another participant argues that ping and lag are primarily influenced by distance and the number of nodes involved in data transmission, rather than just transmission speed.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost of fiber optic installation, with multiple participants inquiring about pricing.
  • There is a suggestion that the operating system may not significantly affect internet speeds, with a recommendation to try different web browsers for better performance.
  • One participant asserts that Windows 7 is inherently faster than Vista.
  • A suggestion is made to use a RamDisk for web caching to improve browser performance, although it is noted that this may not speed up initial page loads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of fiber optic internet on gaming performance, particularly regarding ping and lag. There is no consensus on the influence of operating systems on internet speed, with some asserting that it is negligible while others claim Windows 7 is faster than Vista.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors affecting internet performance, including distance, packet loss, and browser choice, but do not resolve the complexities of these interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals considering upgrading to fiber optic internet, gamers interested in optimizing their online experience, and those curious about the impact of operating systems and browsers on internet performance.

The_Absolute
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In a few days, people from my ISP are coming to my house to install super-fast fiber optic internet. Right now, I am using a DSL, or about a 3-meg connection speed. According to what I've heard, a fiber-optic network connection can give up to 20 megs. I use my computer for gaming, especially online gaming. Will I notice any significant improvement with my ping, as well as a reduction in lag, while playing video games online with fiber optics?

This is a bit off-topic, but I heard that Windows 7 is programmed to better utilize fast internet connections. Right now I am using Vista with service pack 1.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Unless your data packets are very large, transmission speed doesn't affect ping (or lag). Ping or lag is a function of distance and how many nodes buffer and retransmit your data packets to the destination and back. In gaming, what appears to be 'lag', can also be caused by lost or corrupted packets of data.
 
How much did that cost you, if you don't mind my asking?
 
Pattonias said:
How much did that cost you, if you don't mind my asking?

See http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/FiOSInternet/Plans/Plans.htm. Verizon FiOS is consumer fiber optic.
 
The_Absolute said:
This is a bit off-topic, but I heard that Windows 7 is programmed to better utilize fast internet connections. Right now I am using Vista with service pack 1.

The Windows version won't have a noticeable impact on your internet speeds. The delay will be dictated primarily by distance and the other factors mentioned. Try some new browsers like Firefox, Opera, or Google Chrome. You'll get a more noticeable impact from that than from a new operating system, at least when browsing the internet.
 
Windows 7 is faster than Vista, period.
 
If you would like consider putting your webcache into a RamDisk. This will not really help you to load a page faster initially, but you will have an instant back button in the browser and cached pages will load nearly instantly.
 

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