Multiple Internet Connections and Latency

[Michahellis]

This might seem like a stupid question but...

I play online on my ps3,which is hardwired to my router/modem. I live in a building that offers communal internet. I also have my own internet connection (DSL), my own modem, password etc for my network. My question is if I'm gaming on my ps3 using my connection and surfing the net using the connection from my building can this introduce latency in my gaming experience,considering I am using two different connections? I assume they would be separate and not affect each other, but just wanted to ask you guys to make sure.

Cheers,

Dave

[YeOldeStonecat]

Additional traffic (such as surfing) can add latency to another connection on the network. So yes surfing and downloading stuff on a computer that shares the router with someone who is gaming can cause that person who is gaming to experience lag.

However...there are many routers out there which support "QoS"...quality of service. They place a priority on gaming traffic....so that when other people on the network surf and download and do other things...the person gaming doesn't get much lag..if any...

[Michahellis]

Thanks so much for the reply. Now if possible maybe you could answer one more question. I notice that my ping times are higher (65-90 ms) during the evening (peak hours I guess). Yet in the early morning say after 1 am my ping is quite a bit lower ( ~ 50ms). I was wondering if this is likely caused by my isp being busy in the evenings and possible the game server having increased traffic at that time as well. I've checked and my ping times on my pc jump during these times and it does jump 20-30 ms. If this is the case and its related to increased isp traffic, is there anything that can be done? I'm with a major provider. My download speeds are fine its just my ping for gaming on my ps3 that is my concern. Also, do you think that because there are possibly other people in my building surfing the net this could be in some way affecting me?

Thanks for all your help!

Dave

[YeOldeStonecat]

Your ISP is probably oversubscribed (extra busy) during peak hours. Also ..yes...consider the ISP that hosts the game server.