What Is LAN Gaming?

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of LAN gaming and explore what it is, how it works, and why it’s still relevant in the world of online multiplayer gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, understanding LAN gaming can give you an edge in competitive play and help you appreciate the history of multiplayer gaming.

Key Takeaways

• LAN, or local area network, is a network system that locally connects computers and was commonly used for multiplayer gaming before internet connectivity became widespread.
• LAN connections provide the lowest latency, which makes them ideal for esports tournaments where high-speed, low-latency connections are essential.
• LAN connections require all the computers in the network to be in the same room or building, and they have no connection to the internet.
• Popular multiplayer games such as CSGO and Call of Duty can be played using LAN connections, although internet connectivity is more common these days.
• Understanding the differences between LAN connections and internet connections is important for gamers who want to optimize their gaming experience and participate in esports tournaments.

So What Is LAN Gaming?

If you just started playing online video games, you probably don’t know what LAN in gaming is. LAN was one of the most popular things back in the early days of multiplayer gaming, and it is still used these days for tournaments. To help you understand more, here is our take on what LAN is in gaming.

Multiplayer games like CSGO and Call of Duty are games where several players can play together on their computers or gaming consoles. However, that requires a network connection. Gamers used LAN to connect two or more computers for multiplayer gaming back when the internet was not accessible.

LAN, or local area network, is a network system that locally connects computers. In a LAN connection, only the computers within the network are connected, with zero connection to computers connected to the internet.

LAN connections don’t work at a long distance and require all the computers to be in the same room or at least the same building. Since a LAN connection has no connection to the internet, and the distance between the computers is way too small compared to the distance between video game servers, LAN provides the lowest amount of latency.

Because LAN connections provide the least latency, nearly 0ms, and they require all computers in the connection to be in the same room or the same building, they are ideal for esports tournaments. Almost all esports tournaments these days use LAN connections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LAN gaming may seem like a thing of the past, but it still holds great importance in the world of esports tournaments. Its low latency and reliability make it the preferred choice for competitive play, and it’s a testament to how far gaming technology has come. Whether you’re a casual player or a professional gamer, understanding the basics of LAN gaming can give you a deeper appreciation for the online multiplayer experience. So, the next time you join a multiplayer game, remember the humble beginnings of LAN gaming and how it paved the way for the competitive gaming industry we know today.

FAQ

What is LAN gaming?

LAN gaming is a network system that locally connects computers to enable multiplayer gaming without an internet connection.

What does LAN stand for in LAN gaming?

LAN stands for local area network.

How is LAN gaming different from internet gaming?

LAN gaming requires all computers to be in the same room or building, while internet gaming allows players to connect over the internet anywhere.

Why is LAN gaming still used?

LAN gaming is still used for esports tournaments because it provides the lowest latency, or lag, which is essential for competitive gaming.

What types of games can be played using LAN connections?

Multiplayer games like CSGO and Call of Duty can be played using LAN connections, although internet connectivity is more common nowadays.

Can LAN connections be used for online gaming?

LAN connections cannot be used for online gaming because they do not provide internet connectivity.

How do I set up a LAN connection for gaming?

To set up a LAN connection for gaming, you need to connect all the computers to a LAN hub or router using Ethernet cables and then configure the network settings on each computer to enable LAN connectivity.

Is LAN gaming only for PC gaming, or can it be used for console gaming too?

LAN gaming can be used for both PC and console gaming, although console gaming often uses online connections.