Computer Diagnostic

Optimizing Your PC’s Network Performance

November 10, 2024

Understanding Network Performance Factors

As an experienced IT professional, I’ve seen firsthand how network performance can make or break the user experience, especially for gamers and power users. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the factors that influence your PC’s network performance and explore practical tips to optimize it for seamless computing and gaming.

Addressing DNS Server Inefficiencies

One of the most common issues that can impact network performance is the use of an inefficient DNS server. By default, many ISPs provide their own DNS servers, which may not always offer the fastest response times. To remedy this, consider switching to a public DNS service, such as Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). This simple change can significantly improve your overall browsing and networking experience.

To make the switch, follow these steps:

Open the Control Panel, navigate to “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
Click on “Change adapter settings” and right-click on your network adapter.
Select “Properties,” then choose “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).”
Click on “Properties” again and select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Enter “8.8.8.8” as the Preferred DNS server and “8.8.4.4” as the Alternate DNS server.
Click “OK” to save the changes.

Remember, while this DNS server change may not directly impact your PUBG performance, it can improve your overall networking experience, especially when browsing the web.

Optimizing Router Settings

Your router plays a crucial role in your network’s performance, and there are several settings you can tweak to enhance it.

Enabling UPnP Port Forwarding

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a feature that allows your router to automatically configure the necessary port forwarding rules for specific applications, such as online games. Enabling UPnP on your router can help streamline the process and ensure your PUBG connection is optimized.

The steps to enable UPnP may vary depending on your router model, so consult your router’s documentation or manufacturer’s website for the specific instructions.

Configuring Quality of Service (QoS)

Many modern routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which allow you to prioritize network traffic for specific applications or devices. By configuring QoS, you can ensure that your PUBG data takes precedence over other network activities, reducing latency and improving responsiveness.

The process for configuring QoS is also router-specific, so refer to your router’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to set it up.

Forwarding Necessary Ports

In addition to UPnP, you can also manually configure port forwarding on your router to optimize your PUBG connection. The following ports are typically recommended for PUBG:

TCP: 27015-27030, 27036-27037
UDP: 4380, 27000-27031, 27036

Again, the steps to configure port forwarding will vary depending on your router model, so consult the documentation or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Enhancing Network Adapter Settings

Your network adapter’s settings can also have a significant impact on your PC’s network performance. Here are some adjustments you can make:

Disable Network Throttling: Windows has a built-in feature called “Network Throttling” that can limit your network’s performance. To disable this, follow these steps:
Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile
Create a new DWORD value named NetworkThrottlingIndex and set it to ffffffff
Adjust MTU Size: PUBG servers have a maximum MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) size of 1492 bytes, while Windows 10 systems typically use a default MTU of 1500 bytes. To optimize your connection, you can adjust the MTU size to match the PUBG server’s limit:
Open an elevated command prompt (Run as Administrator)
Type netsh interface ipv4 show subinterfaces and note the MTU value for your network adapter
If the MTU is not 1492, run the command netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Local Area Connection" mtu=1492 store=persistent
Disable Nagle’s Algorithm: Nagle’s algorithm is a TCP/IP optimization that can sometimes negatively impact gaming performance. To disable it, follow these steps:
Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces{NIC-id}, where {NIC-id} is the identifier for your network adapter
Create three new DWORD values:
- TcpAckFrequency with a value of 1
- TCPNoDelay with a value of 1
- TcpDelAckTicks with a value of 0
Reset Network Adapter Settings: In some cases, resetting your network adapter’s settings can help resolve network-related issues. To do this:
Open an elevated command prompt (Run as Administrator)
Run the following commands:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- netsh winsock reset catalog
- netsh int ip reset reset.log
Restart your computer after running these commands.
Disable Specific Network Adapter Features: Certain network adapter features, such as Gigabit, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and Jumbo Packets, can sometimes cause issues. You can try disabling these features by following these steps:
Open the Control Panel, navigate to “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
Click on “Change adapter settings,” right-click on your network adapter, and select “Properties.”
Click on “Configure,” then navigate to the “Advanced” tab.
Locate and disable the following properties:
- Auto Disable Gigabit
- Energy Efficient Ethernet
- Jumbo Packet
- Interrupt Moderation
- Large Send Offload v2 IPv4 and IPv6
- Packet Priority & VLAN
Additionally, ensure that “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is unchecked under the “Power Management” tab.

Troubleshooting and Monitoring Network Performance

Identifying and resolving network-related issues can be a complex task, but there are several tools and techniques you can use to diagnose and troubleshoot your network performance.

In-Game Network Debug Settings

PUBG provides in-game network debug settings that can be valuable for monitoring your connection. To enable these settings:

Open the game and go to the “Settings” menu.
Navigate to the “Gameplay” section and turn on the “Network Debug Statistics” option.

This will display real-time information about your network connection, including ping, packet loss, and other relevant metrics, helping you identify any potential bottlenecks or issues.

Tethering to a Mobile Device

While not recommended for regular gameplay, tethering your PC to a mobile device can be a useful troubleshooting technique. By using the mobile data connection, you can determine if any network-related issues are being caused by your router or ISP.

Monitoring Server Ping and Network Speed

PUBG utilizes AWS servers, so you can test your ping to these servers to identify the best and closest server for your location. Visit websites like PUBGServerPing.com or PUBG.disquse.ru to check your server ping.

Additionally, you can use tools like Speedtest.net to measure your network’s download and upload speeds, as well as your overall latency to your ISP’s closest node.

Advanced Network Monitoring with TickMeter

For a more in-depth analysis of your network performance, you can use a tool called TickMeter. This application, along with WinPCAP, RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), and .NET 4.5, can provide detailed insights into your network’s behavior.

Download TickMeter from GitHub.
Install the required dependencies (WinPCAP, RTSS, and .NET 4.5).
Run the TickMeter application and select your network adapter.

TickMeter will provide valuable information about your network’s performance, including packet loss, latency, and other critical metrics.

Checking PUBG Server Status

If you suspect that the performance issues you’re experiencing are related to the PUBG servers, you can check the server status on websites like PUBGServerStatus.com or OutageReport.com/playerunknowns-battlegrounds. These resources can help you determine if there are any ongoing issues or outages affecting the PUBG servers.

Remember, while these troubleshooting steps and tools may not eliminate desync or other network-related problems completely, they can significantly improve your overall gaming experience by reducing latency and packet loss.

Conclusion

Optimizing your PC’s network performance is essential for a seamless gaming experience, especially in fast-paced, online games like PUBG. By addressing DNS server inefficiencies, configuring your router settings, adjusting network adapter parameters, and utilizing various troubleshooting techniques, you can enhance your network’s responsiveness and reduce latency.

Remember, network optimization is an ongoing process, and you may need to experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for your specific setup. Stay vigilant, monitor your network’s performance, and don’t hesitate to try new solutions to ensure your PC is running at its best.

For more in-depth guides and IT solutions, be sure to visit ITFix.org.uk. Our team of experienced IT professionals is dedicated to providing practical advice and innovative insights to help you maximize your technology’s potential.