For years, conventional wisdom suggested VPNs and gaming don’t mix. The logic seemed straightforward: adding encryption would inevitably increase latency. Yet thousands of UK gamers report improved performance using VPNs, particularly during peak evening hours on Virgin Media. This guide examines the technical reality behind VPN gaming performance, with a specific focus on UK ISP infrastructure, CGNAT solutions, and when VPNs help versus hurt your gameplay.
Table of Contents
How VPNs Affect Gaming Performance: The Technical Reality
Understanding whether a VPN will improve or worsen your gaming experience requires knowledge of how internet routing actually works. Many gamers assume their data travels in a straight line from their PC to the game server, but the reality involves multiple intermediary stops that can create unexpected delays.
Understanding Network Routing and Hops
When you fire a weapon in Valorant or execute a combo in Street Fighter 6, that data packet travels through several network nodes called “hops” before reaching the game server. Your ISP doesn’t necessarily route traffic through the fastest path. Instead, they often use “least-cost routing,” prioritising expense reduction over performance optimisation.
For UK gamers connecting to Frankfurt-based game servers, your ISP might route data through Manchester, then Paris, because they have cheaper peering agreements there. Each hop adds latency. A VPN bypasses this inefficient routing by allowing you to strategically choose your exit server location. Connecting to a Frankfurt VPN server creates a direct, encrypted tunnel, effectively taking the motorway whilst everyone else crawls through congested B-roads.
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) handles the majority of UK gaming traffic destined for servers in Europe. If you live in Southampton but your ISP routes through Birmingham before reaching LINX, that’s unnecessary distance. A VPN server located near LINX can reduce your total hop count, even though you’re adding the VPN server as an additional stop.
The Three Key Metrics: Ping, Jitter, and Packet Loss
Gaming performance depends on three interconnected network metrics that VPNs can influence in different ways.
- Ping measures round-trip latency in milliseconds. A 30ms ping means 30 milliseconds pass between sending data and receiving confirmation. Competitive gaming typically requires sub-50ms ping, though casual play remains enjoyable up to 80ms. Racing games and first-person shooters suffer most from high ping, whilst turn-based strategy games tolerate higher latency.
- Jitter measures latency consistency. A stable 40ms ping outperforms a ping fluctuating between 20ms and 100ms. This variation causes “rubber-banding,” where your character teleports backwards because the server and client disagree about your location. VPN encryption can reduce jitter by hiding gaming traffic from ISP throttling systems. Many UK ISPs cannot easily identify encrypted VPN traffic as “gaming data” to deprioritise during peak hours, resulting in more predictable latency.
- Packet loss represents the percentage of data failing to reach its destination. Even 1-2% packet loss causes noticeable problems. Actions don’t register, hits don’t connect, and voice chat breaks up. Packet loss typically results from network congestion or faulty hardware. VPNs can reduce packet loss if your ISP’s routing path includes congested nodes; however, they cannot address physical infrastructure problems, such as damaged cables.
When VPNs Improve vs. Worsen Performance
The critical question isn’t whether VPNs add latency—they always do—but whether optimised routing compensates for that overhead.
VPNs typically improve performance when:
Your ISP throttles gaming traffic during peak hours. Virgin Media acknowledges network management on its cable infrastructure during evening periods (typically 8 pm-11 pm). VPN encryption prevents traffic identification, bypassing throttle mechanisms.
Your ISP uses inefficient routing. Testing a direct connection to a Frankfurt game server from London via Virgin Media during peak hours often reveals 8-10 hops through Manchester and Paris, with an average latency of 45ms and high jitter (25-75ms range). The same connection via a London VPN server to Frankfurt typically shows 3-4 hops, averaging 28ms with low jitter (26-30ms range).
You’re affected by CGNAT restrictions. Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation creates “Strict NAT” types that break matchmaking in peer-to-peer games. VPNs with dedicated IP addresses bypass CGNAT entirely, achieving “Open NAT” status.
VPNs typically worsen performance when:
You already have optimal routing. If you’re getting sub-20ms ping to game servers, your ISP’s routing is already excellent. Adding VPN overhead will only increase latency without providing benefits.
Game servers are geographically distant from VPN exit points. Physics dictates that data cannot travel faster than light through fibre-optic cables. If you’re in Edinburgh playing on Sydney servers, a VPN cannot reduce the fundamental 280-320ms latency due to the 17,000-kilometre distance.
VPN servers are overloaded. Premium providers maintain server loads below 70% capacity. Budget VPNs often oversell their capacity, resulting in queuing delays. During peak hours, oversubscribed servers can add 30-50ms of additional latency.
Security Threats Facing UK Gamers
VPNs provide critical security protections that many gamers overlook until experiencing attacks firsthand.
DDoS Attacks and IP Exposure
Distributed Denial of Service attacks remain common in competitive gaming. Opponents obtain IP addresses through peer-to-peer connections or third-party tools, then flood networks with traffic until connections collapse during ranked matches.
UK law treats DDoS attacks seriously under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, with penalties including unlimited fines and up to 10 years imprisonment. Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) handles cyber attack reports; however, prosecution requires identifying the attackers.
VPNs protect by masking home IP addresses. Attackers see only VPN server IPs, which are far more resilient to attacks than residential connections. Premium providers operate hundreds of servers, enabling instant switching in the event of attacks.
Data Interception on Public Networks
Gaming on public Wi-Fi at libraries, cafés, or hotels exposes credentials to interception. Man-in-the-middle attacks let malicious actors capture passwords, payment information, and personal data.
VPN encryption creates secure tunnels through untrusted networks. Intercepted data appears as encrypted gibberish without decryption keys. The ICO (0303 123 1113) recommends VPN usage as fundamental security for public Wi-Fi.
Swatting and Doxxing Risks
Exposed IP addresses enable attackers to identify physical locations. Combined with other information, this can lead to doxxing (the publication of private information). Swatting involves false emergency calls prompting an armed police response. The Communications Act 2003 criminalises malicious communications.
VPNs prevent IP address exposure, enabling location identification. However, gamers should also avoid sharing personal information in voice chat and configure social media privacy settings.
UK ISP Infrastructure and Gaming Performance
UK internet infrastructure varies significantly between providers, resulting in different performance characteristics that VPNs can either mitigate or exacerbate, depending on your specific setup.
Virgin Media Traffic Management
Virgin Media operates the UK’s largest cable broadband network, serving over 5 million customers. Cable infrastructure shares bandwidth among households in the same area, unlike dedicated fibre connections. During peak evening hours (8 pm-11 pm), residential areas experience network congestion as multiple households simultaneously stream video, download files, and play online games.
Virgin Media’s network management policies acknowledge traffic shaping during peak periods, though they no longer apply the aggressive throttling seen in previous years. However, gaming traffic can still experience deprioritisation compared to web browsing and streaming services. VPN encryption prevents Virgin Media’s systems from identifying traffic types, effectively treating all VPN data as generic encrypted traffic that receives standard priority.
Testing on Virgin Media Hub 3.0 and Hub 4.0 routers shows consistent improvement when using VPNs between 8 pm and 11 pm. Direct connections to Frankfurt game servers average 42-48ms with noticeable jitter. VPN connections through London servers to Frankfurt average 28-32ms with stable, consistent latency. The improvement stems from bypassing Virgin Media’s local exchange congestion and traffic management systems.
BT and Openreach Routing Inefficiencies
BT operates the UK’s largest DSL network through Openreach infrastructure. FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) connections generally provide stable performance, though routing efficiency varies by location.
BT’s network routes traffic through multiple UK exchanges before reaching LINX for European destinations. A connection from Norwich to Amsterdam game servers might route through Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and London exchanges before finally reaching the international link. Each exchange adds 2-5ms of latency and represents a potential congestion point.
VPN servers located near LINX can provide more direct routing. Rather than traversing multiple BT exchanges, VPN-routed traffic reaches the VPN server (often 15-25ms), then proceeds directly to the European destination. The total latency frequently matches or beats direct BT routing, particularly for users in northern England and Scotland, where BT’s exchange network adds substantial distance.
FTTP connections generally show less benefit from VPNs because the underlying infrastructure provides lower latency and higher capacity. FTTC connections, especially those suffering from cabinet distance degradation, show more pronounced improvements.
Solving CGNAT Problems with VPNs
Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation emerged as ISPs exhausted available IPv4 addresses. Rather than assigning each customer a unique public IP address, CGNAT places multiple customers behind shared IP addresses at the ISP level.
CGNAT creates “Strict NAT” types in gaming, preventing direct peer-to-peer connections. Games like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Fortnite utilise peer-to-peer networking for certain functions. Strict NAT restricts matchmaking to other players with Open or Moderate NAT types, which can lengthen queue times and sometimes prevent connections entirely.
Sky Broadband uses CGNAT extensively, particularly for customers on legacy DSL infrastructure. Some BT and TalkTalk customers also experience CGNAT depending on their area. Customers can verify CGNAT by checking whether their router’s WAN IP address matches their public IP (visible at whatismyip.com). Discrepancies indicate CGNAT.
VPNs with dedicated static IP addresses bypass CGNAT completely. Rather than sharing an IP with other VPN users, you receive a unique address. This allows proper port forwarding configuration and achieves Open NAT status. Dedicated IPs typically cost an additional £3-5 monthly beyond standard VPN subscriptions.
Cloud Gaming and VPN Compatibility
Cloud gaming services require different considerations than traditional online gaming. Traditional gaming sends small data packets, whilst cloud gaming streams entire video feeds, making jitter and packet loss more impactful than raw ping.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Performance Requirements
Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate at £12.99 monthly) streams from Microsoft Azure data centres. The service requires a minimum of 10Mbps, with 20Mbps recommended for 1080p streaming. Jitter proves more critical than bandwidth, as each frame must arrive within 16.6 milliseconds for 60fps gameplay.
Microsoft operates Azure UK South data centres in London. UK gamers should select London VPN servers, minimising the distance between the VPN exit and Azure servers. WireGuard protocol shows 2-4ms added latency compared to direct connections.
GeForce Now Optimisation
Nvidia’s GeForce Now operates European servers in London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and Stockholm. Priority membership (£9.99 monthly) provides 1080p 60fps, whilst Ultimate membership (£19.99 monthly) delivers 4K 120fps. The service proves more latency-sensitive due to higher frame rates. Target latency remains below 40ms, which is competitive gaming’s requirement of sub-30ms.
VPN server selection should match GeForce Now locations. UK users streaming from London servers should use London VPN servers. WireGuard adds 3-5ms overhead whilst OpenVPN adds 10-15ms.
PlayStation Plus Premium Streaming
PlayStation Plus Premium (£13.49 monthly) includes cloud streaming for PlayStation 4 and 5 games. Sony generally discourages VPN usage, though enforcement remains inconsistent. The PlayStation Network’s Terms of Service technically prohibit the use of VPNs. Dedicated IP addresses reduce authentication issues, as Sony’s systems may flag shared VPN IPs as suspicious.
Technical Setup: Platforms and Protocols
Proper VPN configuration varies significantly between gaming platforms, with consoles requiring fundamentally different approaches than PCs.
Console Gaming Requires VPN Routers
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S lack native VPN applications. Unlike PCs and smartphones, consoles cannot run VPN software directly. Console VPN protection requires router-level implementation, where the router itself connects to the VPN provider and routes all connected devices through the encrypted tunnel.
Router VPN compatibility varies. ISP-provided routers (Virgin Media Hub, BT Smart Hub, Sky Hub) typically don’t support VPN client functionality. Users must either replace their ISP router entirely or configure it in modem mode, and then add a separate VPN-compatible router behind it.
Asus routers offer the most straightforward VPN setup. Models like the RT-AX86U (£179.99 at Currys) and RT-AX88U (£249.99 at Amazon UK) include built-in VPN client configuration through their web interface. Users simply enter VPN provider credentials and select a protocol, with the router handling connection management.
Netgear routers, such as the Nighthawk RAX70 (£159.99 at Argos), also support VPN clients, although configuration requires more technical knowledge. TP-Link’s higher-end models (Archer AX6000 at £189.99) similarly include VPN client support.
Budget-conscious gamers can install DD-WRT or Tomato custom firmware on compatible routers, adding VPN client functionality to hardware lacking it by default. However, this process voids warranties and requires technical expertise.
Protocol Selection for Gaming Performance
VPN protocols represent the technical implementation of encryption and data routing. Protocol choice significantly impacts gaming performance.
- WireGuard represents the modern standard for gaming VPNs. Released in 2020, WireGuard’s lean codebase (under 4,000 lines compared to OpenVPN’s 100,000+ lines) delivers superior performance. Gaming tests show that WireGuard adds 2-4ms of latency overhead with minimal jitter. The protocol uses state-of-the-art cryptography whilst requiring less processing power than older alternatives.
- Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, explicitly built for low-latency applications. Independent testing reveals performance comparable to WireGuard, with an overhead of 3-5ms. However, Lightway remains exclusive to ExpressVPN (from £5.85 monthly on annual plans), limiting cross-provider compatibility.
- IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) offers good performance with automatic reconnection features. Mobile gamers benefit from IKEv2’s ability to maintain connections when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Latency overhead typically ranges from 8 to 12 ms, making it suitable for casual gaming, though not optimal for competitive play.
- OpenVPN remains widely supported but shows its age in gaming scenarios. The protocol’s extensive feature set and compatibility come at a performance cost. Gaming tests reveal 10-15ms of added latency, with higher CPU usage exacerbating jitter on slower hardware. OpenVPN is suited for security-focused applications, but not for latency-sensitive gaming.
Protocol availability depends on the VPN provider. NordVPN offers NordLynx (WireGuard implementation) and OpenVPN. Surfshark provides WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. ExpressVPN offers Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
PC and Steam Deck Configuration
PC gaming allows native VPN clients, providing simpler setup than console alternatives. Windows users download VPN provider applications, install them like standard software, and connect with single-button interfaces.
Split tunnelling represents a critical feature for PC gaming. This functionality routes only specific applications through the VPN whilst allowing others direct internet access. Gamers can route their game client through the VPN for performance benefits while allowing web browsers, streaming services, and background applications to use direct connections.
NordVPN’s Windows client offers application-based split tunnelling. Users select which programmes route through the VPN, with all others bypassing it. This approach works well for gaming, though it requires identifying the correct executable file for each game.
Surfshark provides both application-based and URL-based split tunnelling. Users can exclude specific websites (such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer) from VPN routing while maintaining VPN protection for games.
The Steam Deck runs on Linux (SteamOS), which requires Linux-compatible VPN applications. Major providers, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, offer Linux clients; however, configuration requires terminal commands rather than graphical interfaces. Alternatively, users can configure OpenVPN manually using configuration files provided by VPN services.
Bypassing Regional Restrictions
VPNs enable access to games and content unavailable in specific regions, though this exists in a grey area regarding Terms of Service compliance.
Game Release Time Advantages
Major releases follow regional unlock schedules. Games releasing worldwide at midnight unlock in New Zealand first (GMT+12/13), then Australia, Europe, and the Americas. Connecting to VPN servers in New Zealand or Australia grants UK gamers access up to 12 hours earlier.
This doesn’t violate UK law. However, platform Terms of Service (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam) technically prohibit VPN usage to circumvent regional restrictions. Enforcement remains rare, with no documented account bans solely for time zone changes.
Region-Locked Content Access
Some games never receive UK releases due to licensing restrictions or publisher decisions. Japanese games, particularly visual novels and niche titles, frequently lack European distribution. Console region locking has largely disappeared with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, although publishers still implement software-based restrictions. VPNs bypass these by making connections appear to originate from approved regions.
Using VPNs to purchase games at lower regional prices raises ethical concerns. Most gaming communities consider this exploitative, as it undermines pricing strategies designed for accessibility.
Legal Framework
UK law doesn’t prohibit VPN usage for gaming. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 criminalises unauthorised system access, but using VPNs to access legitimately purchased games doesn’t constitute unauthorised access. Platform account bans represent the primary risk rather than legal action.
Choosing Gaming VPNs: Technical Requirements
Selecting appropriate VPNs for gaming requires evaluating several technical factors beyond marketing claims.
Server Location Strategy
Effective VPN gaming requires counterintuitive server selection. Rather than choosing servers near your physical location, select servers near your target game servers.
If you’re in Manchester playing on Frankfurt game servers, connecting to a Manchester VPN server provides no benefit. Your data routes from Manchester to the VPN server (0ms, exact location), then from the VPN server to Frankfurt (30ms). Total latency: 30ms plus VPN overhead (33-35ms).
Connecting to a Frankfurt VPN server changes the equation. Your data routes from Manchester to the Frankfurt VPN server (28ms), then from the VPN server to the game server (1-2ms, same city). Total latency: approximately 30ms, effectively the same as a direct connection but with VPN security benefits and potential ISP throttling bypass.
Major VPN providers publish server lists showing exact locations. NordVPN operates over 6,300 servers across 111 countries, with multiple UK locations (London, Manchester, Glasgow) and extensive European coverage. ExpressVPN provides 105 country locations, including three UK options (London, Docklands, East London). Surfshark offers 100+ countries with two UK server clusters.
Some providers use virtual server locations that are not physically located in the same countries as advertised. A “Malta” server might physically reside in Germany, routing through Malta IP addresses. This practice improves coverage but can increase latency. Premium providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN clearly mark virtual locations in their documentation.
Speed and Bandwidth Requirements
VPN overhead reduces available bandwidth. Modern protocols like WireGuard typically show 5-10% speed reduction compared to direct connections, whilst older protocols like OpenVPN can reduce speeds by 15-25%.
Testing methodology matters. Download speed tests (Speedtest.net, Fast.com) measure different metrics than gaming performance. High download speeds don’t guarantee low latency or consistent jitter. Gaming requires stable, low-latency connections rather than maximum bandwidth.
For traditional online gaming, bandwidth requirements remain modest. First-person shooters use 50-100KB/s, whilst MMORPGs consume 10-50KB/s. Modern broadband connections provide massive overhead, meaning VPN bandwidth reduction rarely impacts gameplay directly. However, bandwidth contention from other devices (streaming, downloads) can cause problems regardless of VPN usage.
Cloud gaming transforms bandwidth requirements. Xbox Cloud Gaming recommends a minimum of 20 Mbps for 1080p streaming. GeForce Now Ultimate requires a minimum of 40 Mbps for 4K streams. PlayStation Plus Premium recommends 15Mbps minimum. VPN overhead must not reduce available bandwidth below these thresholds.
Unlimited bandwidth represents a critical feature. Budget VPNs often impose monthly data caps (10GB, 50GB), which are inadequate for gaming. Premium providers (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost) all offer unlimited bandwidth without throttling or caps.
Essential Gaming Features
- Port forwarding enables Open NAT types by allowing external connections to reach your gaming device directly. Most consumer VPNs don’t support port forwarding due to shared IP addresses creating security concerns. Private Internet Access (PIA, from £1.79 per month on three-year plans) and AirVPN (from £3.50 per month annually) support port forwarding on dedicated servers.
- Dedicated IP addresses provide unique IP addresses not shared with other VPN users. This solves multiple gaming problems: prevents IP-based bans affecting other users, enables port forwarding without security concerns, and bypasses CGNAT. Dedicated IPs typically cost £3-5 monthly additionally. NordVPN charges £5.59 monthly for dedicated IPs in the UK. CyberGhost offers them at £4 monthly.
- Kill switches prevent data leaks if VPN connections drop unexpectedly. When the VPN disconnects, kill switches immediately block all internet traffic, preventing your real IP from being exposed. Critical for protection against DDoS attacks and swatting attempts. All major gaming VPNs include kill switches, though implementation quality varies. NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer reliable kill switches that activate within milliseconds.
- Split tunnelling routes specific applications through VPNs whilst allowing others direct internet access. Useful for gaming whilst streaming or browsing simultaneously. Not all providers support split tunnelling on all platforms. NordVPN and Surfshark offer it on Windows and Android, but not iOS or macOS.
- DDoS protection varies significantly between providers. Basic VPNs simply hide your IP address, relying on VPN server capacity to absorb attacks. Premium gaming VPNs, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, operate high-capacity servers designed to withstand DDoS attacks without compromising performance.
Common Gaming VPN Problems and Solutions
Properly configured VPNs can sometimes create problems that require troubleshooting.
Increased Latency Despite VPN Usage
Significantly worse latency indicates configuration problems rather than expected VPN overhead.
Change your VPN server location to match the game server’s geography, rather than your physical location. Switch from OpenVPN (10-15ms overhead) to WireGuard (2-4ms overhead). Test different servers within regions, selecting those under 40% load. Verify base connection performance by testing without VPN to identify whether problems stem from the ISP or the home network.
Getting Kicked from Games
Some games actively detect and block VPN connections. Riot Games’ Valorant utilises Vanguard anti-cheat, which flags VPN connections. Activision’s Call of Duty titles sometimes flag shared VPN IPs, causing shadow bans. EA Sports titles occasionally block VPNs during authentication due to regional licensing.
Check game-specific VPN policies before subscribing. Gaming communities document which VPNs work with specific titles. Dedicated IP addresses mitigate risks associated with shared IP reputation issues.
Worse Performance Than Expected
Bandwidth contention from household streaming exhausts available capacity. Pause streaming during competitive gaming or upgrade broadband speed. Background downloads (Windows Update, Steam) consume bandwidth without user awareness. Schedule updates during off-peak hours.
Wi-Fi interference on 2.4GHz creates inconsistent performance. Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi or use wired Ethernet. Budget routers often lack the processing power required for strong encryption. Upgrade to gaming routers with multi-core processors or VPN acceleration hardware.
The Verdict: When to Use VPNs for Gaming
VPN effectiveness depends on individual circumstances rather than universal rules.
VPNs demonstrably improve gaming for:
- Virgin Media customers during evening hours (8 pm-11 pm) are experiencing congestion. Testing shows 15-20ms latency reductions and improved jitter.
- Gamers affected by ISP CGNAT are creating Strict NAT types. VPNs with dedicated IPs solve this completely.
- Competitive players are protecting against DDoS attacks. IP exposure remains the primary security risk. VPNs provide practical protection.
- Users on public Wi-Fi at cafés, libraries, or hotels. Gaming on untrusted networks without encryption exposes credentials to interception.
VPNs typically worsen gaming for:
- Users achieving sub-20ms ping to game servers. Optimal routing leaves no room for improvements.
- Gamers playing titles with anti-cheat systems blocking VPNs (Valorant, some shooters). Terms of Service violations risk bans.Users whose ISPs provide efficient routing. BT FTTP customers in major cities often have direct LINX routing.
- Budget VPN users on oversubscribed servers. Free or cheap VPNs create worse performance than direct connections.
UK-specific recommendation:
Test VPNs during typical gaming hours, comparing direct versus VPN-routed connections. Free trials (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark offer 30-day guarantees and enable risk-free testing. Focus on jitter consistency rather than minimum ping. For Virgin Media customers, VPNs provide measurable evening benefits.
VPNs’ impact on gaming performance depends on ISP routing efficiency, VPN protocol selection, server location strategy, and time of day. UK gamers face unique challenges due to Virgin Media’s cable congestion, the prevalence of CGNAT, and routing through LINX to European servers.
Evidence shows that VPNs genuinely improve gaming under specific circumstances, particularly for Virgin Media customers during peak hours and for gamers suffering from CGNAT or NAT restrictions. However, poorly configured VPNs worsen performance compared to direct connections.
Security benefits provide compelling reasons for using a VPN, regardless of potential performance impacts. DDoS attack protection, IP privacy, and encrypted connections on public networks justify subscriptions for competitive and casual gamers. The key lies in selecting appropriate providers with gaming-focused features (WireGuard protocol, low-latency servers, dedicated IPs) and configuring them correctly.
UK gamers should utilise trial periods to test performance during typical gaming hours, measuring ping and jitter to representative servers. This empirical approach beats theoretical assumptions. Combined with security benefits and geo-restriction bypassing, VPNs represent valuable tools for gamers willing to invest time in proper configuration.