Virgin Media issues Wi-Fi alert for all UK homes with a PlayStation or Xbox

We all want faster internet speeds, but quick access to the web becomes even more important when you own a gaming console. Many of us have now switched over to downloading titles rather than heading to the shops and buying physical discs, but whilst convenient, this can place a massive stress on the Wi-Fi. Some modern AAA games can weigh in at a whopping 70GB in size and take over two hours to install via a standard web connection.

It can be pretty mind-numbing watching the download bar slowly fill up, and things will take even longer if the Wi-Fi isn't running at its best.

To help reduce the frustration, Virgin Media has just released some vital advice that all gamers would be wise to follow.

The top tips include making sure the Wi-Fi router is in a prime position and limit other online activities - such as 4K movie streaming - when trying ti install new games.

If you love an evening of Call of Duty or spend hours playing EA Sports FC, then here are 5 rules to follow for a better experience

Place Your Router in the very Best Spot

Virgin says it's vital to get your router away from objects such as fish tanks, out of cupboards and up off the floor as these can all affect the signal. Thick walls can also slow things down, and it's always good to add some boosters around the home to help speed things up. The better the position, the less chance you'll have of lag and dead spots.

Explaining more, Virgin said: "Place your router in an open space, ideally in the centre of your home and elevated on a shelf or table. Keep it away from large appliances and metal objects, which can interfere with the signal. If your gaming setup is far away, consider moving your router closer to your console or PC for the best results."

Use a Wired Ethernet Connection over WiFi

Those wanting the ultimate speeds would be best plugging their consoles straight into the router via an Ethernet connection. Using a hard-wire rather than going wireless will stop things being affected by any interference that can bring Wi-Fi signals grinding to a halt.

"If you want the fastest and strongest connection you can get, use a Cat6 Ethernet cable for the best performance," said Virgin.

"Plug your console or gaming PC directly into the router whenever possible. You’ll see a big improvement in ping and fewer random disconnects."

Restart Your Router

Yes, that old trick of turning it off and on again can work wonders. A quick reboot of the router will clear any bugs and ensure the device is running at its best. Just be aware that it can take up to 5 minutes for the Wi-Fi to start working after being switched off, so make sure nobody is about to head into an important work Zoom call before tapping the off switch.

Revealing why turning it off is a good idea, Virgin said: "Power cycle your router by turning it off for 30 seconds, then turning it back on. Doing this once a week can help keep your connection stable. If you find you need to do this daily, it might be time to upgrade your router."

Upgrade to a Gaming-Ready Router

If your download speeds remain dismal, it might be time to switch to something new. Newer routers often include features like dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), MU-MIMO for multiple devices, and QoS settings to prioritise gaming traffic.

"Upgrading to a newer router, ideally one that supports WiFi 6 or mesh systems, can make a noticeable difference to your speed and reliability," Virgin added.

Limit Bandwidth-Hungry Activities During Gaming

If you want to go gaming, tell everyone else in the house to get offline! If someone in another room is downloading or streaming 4K movies whilst you try to install a massive DLC, it could bring things to a grinding halt. Think of your Wi-Fi like a motorway. The more traffic that flows through it, the slower it can get.

"Schedule big game downloads or updates for off-peak hours," Virgin explains.

"Ask others to avoid streaming in high resolution while you’re gaming. If your router supports QoS, set your gaming device to “high priority” mode.