Generally, VPN will slightly increase latency. This is because of the extra steps to the connections comparing to connect without using VPNs. However, if you are experiencing a significant increase in latency, it might indicate the different issue.
1. MTU size
The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size a data packet can be as it travels through a network. If data packets are too large, they must be broken down into smaller chunks, which can slow things down.
MTU size has a direct effect on network performance. If it isn't set correctly, it can lead to fragmentation, which is when packets are split into smaller pieces because they're too big for the next segment of the network. This takes time and resources, potentially slowing down your network speed.
An MTU of 1460 bytes is generally recommended for VPN connections.
2. Network congestion (Too many devices connected)
Whether it’s your home network or any other network, too many people using the internet at once can cause an information traffic jam. This can occur when multiple devices are simultaneously streaming, downloading, or gaming, resulting in a slower connection speed and higher ping.
3. Distance to servers
Distance between your device and the server can impact your latency. Unfortunately, until we have advanced to the level of quantum networks (which is not expected to happen anytime soon), this limitation cannot be completely avoided.
4. Background applications consuming bandwidth
If you are running several resource-intensive programs simultaneously, they may consume a significant portion of your bandwidth. This can result in slower speeds and increased ping. To improve your bandwidth availability, consider closing any unnecessary background applications.
5. ISP throttling
You may encounter situations where internet service providers (ISPs) deliberately reduce the speed of specific types of data, such as gaming data. This practice, known as ISP throttling, can result in increased ping. Additionally, your signal may sometimes take a less efficient path to the server, resulting in delays. While throttling is typically a deliberate action, inefficient routing can also occur due to errors or glitches within the ISP's system.
7. Outdated hardware or firmware
If your device is outdated, it may struggle to process data quickly. The same goes for your router or even the game server itself. Outdated software or firmware on your device can also cause bugs or incompatibility issues. This can lead to performance delays and high ping. Keeping everything updated can ensure smoother performance .