Using Steam with UPC Horizon

Vojera

Hey all,

I'm considering switching to Horizon from UPC. I currently use them and find them great, but there are so many negative stories about the wifi from the Horizon box that I'm on the fence.

So what I wanted to ask is, do any of ye here use the Horizon box (as opposed to their normal broadband) when on Steam? It's specifically Steam I want to ask about, rather than general usage because any problems with playing is a deal-breaker for me.

If you use it, have you noticed any differences in performance from UPC's normal broadband? Does your network drop often? Are your cloud saves all working as normal?

If you've had any problems, were they easily fixed and if so, what worked for you?

Sierra Oscar

I used Steam over the summer with the UPC Horizon box, and there didnt seem to be any major issues. I actually had some general internet connectivity issues before getting the Horizon box (I had an old wifi box that was ancient) but once I had the new box it was resolved.

A friend of mine also does a lot of gaming on Steam and has a Horizon box and I haven't heard him complain of any issues. Other people might have a different story to tell though!

Vojera

Thanks for that. I don't stream that much so it's really just a fear that I won't be able to hold a connection to Steam, but maybe it's not as bad as I've heard.

rolexeagle1

I use it with Horizon and have no issues at all

Moon54

A friend of mine had his Horizon box changed 3 times if that means anything.
Also make sure to read the small print on their Horizon packages.
There is a 30GB per month usage allowance I believe.
http://www.upc.ie/pdf/AcceptableUsagePolicy2013.pdf

rolexeagle1

Moon54 wrote: »

A friend of mine had his Horizon box changed 3 times if that means anything.
Also make sure to read the small print on their Horizon packages.
There is a 30GB per month usage allowance I believe.
http://www.upc.ie/pdf/AcceptableUsagePolicy2013.pdf

Section 3: Data Transfer Allowances, Excessive Use and Other Limitations

UPC broadband services are intended for normal recreational or educational use by individuals and families and our pricing
and network architecture have been designed accordingly. The Services are strictly for residential use only - commercial use
of any kind is prohibited. Customers who use the Services more heavily than a normal home user will reduce the
performance of the network for other customers.

From 5th September 2011, the data transfer allowance for all Fibre Power Broadband customers is 500GB

From 25th
February 2013, no limit on data transfer allowance will apply for customers of new Fibre Power Broadband
products, except for customers of limited products with specified data transfer allowances.

Jet Black

You can just request to keep the router when upgrading. They will keep the horizon box separate then. Its what I did last week.

Not sure how much they enforce the 500gb limit. Mines been nearly 800gb some months and they didn't contact me. I believe they are quicker to do so if your on the 30gb package so they can get you to upgrade.

Wabbit Ears

No need to deconsolidate (keep your existing modem) for steam and gaming over a wired connection. Wireless is a bit hit or miss but this is just a wireless problem, not any issue with steam itself.

That said for gaming you really should use a wired connection or, if not near the horizon box, powerline adapters. Its not essential but the performance and ping times in general are vastly improved if you use a steady wired connection.

rolexeagle1

Yeah i got them to send me the new modem though and its actaully pretty good.

I get 140mb wired to my PC and about 40mb over wireless in my attic/loft which is about 20 metres from the modem

Vojera

Thanks for the replies. I'm feeling a bit more positive about it now. I might switch over after I've watched all the stuff on the dvr. It's good to know I can ask them to deconsolidate if necessary.

I'm a loner single player gamer so having a wired connection isn't especially important, plus I'd be dragging wires all over the house.

MiskyBoyy

Vojera wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I'm feeling a bit more positive about it now. I might switch over after I've watched all the stuff on the dvr. It's good to know I can ask them to deconsolidate if necessary.

I'm a loner single player gamer so having a wired connection isn't especially important, plus I'd be dragging wires all over the house.

Wires?? Nonsense!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-PA211KIT-200Mbps-Powerline-Adapter/dp/B004INVKP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393705575&sr=8-1&keywords=homeplugs

Vojera

MiskyBoyy wrote: »

Wires?? Nonsense!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-PA211KIT-200Mbps-Powerline-Adapter/dp/B004INVKP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393705575&sr=8-1&keywords=homeplugs

:eek:

MiskyBoyy

Vojera wrote: »

:eek:

Lol, it's saying goodbye to running long wires across your house for internet forever!

They've been around a surprisingly long time too, not new technology.

They work flawlessly, add less than <1ms ping to a perfect ethernet connection.

You can also get another one to plug in to another socket somewhere in your home to extend your wifi range that will also work with them 2 in the pre-mentioned link.