Esports Leagues: LAN vs Online

There might be a number of different factors that can affect an eSports player’s performance in either a positive or a negative way, but one of the biggest factors that can play an integral role is the network connections that may be used when playing in competitive eSports Leagues.

Indeed, there are two different types of network connections that tournaments can take place over, with either a LAN network or an Online network also being available for players to use. Naturally, both provide a number of advantages and disadvantages for players, however it is important to understand what each one actually means before trying to work out what the pros and cons are.

Indeed, it can be incredibly important for gamers to know about the different networks available, as well as those esports betting online, as it can make a huge difference to how the gameplay and the tournaments being participated in could potentially turn out.

 

What are LANs and Online Networks?

LAN stands for Local Area Network and this will see players playing in eSports League tournaments in which they are all connected to the same internet connection and generally in the same room. In order to make this happen, most LAN competitions will typically be held in arenas that can feature spectators in attendance or via modern-day live streaming platforms such as Twitch or YouTube.

An Online event is one whereby players will be able to connect over the internet to a server that is located in another location. The players will also all be in different locations and different rooms, meaning they will have to rely on the equipment that they have available to them.

 

Advantages

As mentioned, there are a number of different advantages available to players regardless of whether they are using a LAN connection or an Online network for their eSports League competition.

Those that use a LAN connection will find that they can have an advantage as they will be in the same arena and location as all of the other competitors whilst they will also be using the same internet connection, therefore putting everyone on a similar playing field in regards to connectivity.

Those that are using Online networks, though, will feel as though they have an advantage as they will be able to play at their optimum performance levels with their traditional set-ups and devices that they will know have already been set in a way that suits their gaming styles; thus, keeping some comfortability and familiarity whilst competing.

 

Disadvantages

However, as with almost everything that is available, there are a couple of disadvantages to both types of networks when trying to be the best at the eSports Leagues that continue to take place.

One of the main disadvantages a player may experience when they play at a LAN event is that it is in a setting or environment that they are not used to, which can have a serious effect on their performance. For example, the setup could potentially be very different to what the player is used to, with things such as the gaming chair, the gaming table and the room will all be different and could play a major role.

A disadvantage that could be had by players who are competing in eSports Leagues on an Online network could be the fact that they have to rely on the internet connection that they have available to them. Those that have a connection that may have a delay in regards to server latency or “ping” (which is the time that it takes for information to be sent to the server and back) issues could end up being a real problem.