If you're a PC gamer, chances are you've had to deal with the frustration of a bad connection at some point. Whether it's dealing with lag in online multiplayer games or simply trying to load a website, a slow or unreliable internet connection can ruin your gaming experience.
And while there are a number of factors that can contribute to a bad connection, one of the most common culprits is actually your Ethernet cable.
Why Long Ethernet Cables Are Bad For Gaming
While you might be tempted to give your PC the longest possible internet connection by running an Ethernet cable all the way from your router to your desktop, doing so can actually have a negative impact on your gaming experience.
Here's why:
Long Ethernet cables introduce more opportunities for interference. The longer the cable, the greater the chance that something will interfere with the signal and cause lag. Even something as innocuous as another piece of electronic equipment can cause interference if it's close enough to the cable.
Long Ethernet cables are more likely to be damaged. Let's face it, those cables aren't exactly flexible, so the more you have to bend them, the greater the chance that they'll be damaged. Once they're damaged, they're much more likely to suffer from signal issues that can lead to lag.
Long Ethernet cables are just plain annoying. Let's be honest, having a long cable running across your floor is just asking for trouble. Not only is it unsightly, but it's also a tripping hazard. And if you're constantly tripping over your Ethernet cable, there's a good chance you'll end up damaging it.
The next time you're dealing with lag during your gaming sessions, take a look at your Ethernet cable and make sure it isn't too long. A shorter cable will introduce fewer opportunities for interference and damage and will be much less likely to cause problems down the line.
