Imagine this scenario. You have almost reached the end of your strength bar, you are almost out of units, and you’re aiming for the victory headshot … suddenly, the game stutters – you’ve got lag – and before you know it, the game is over.
Having a slow connection can make online gaming frustrating. First-person shooters and survival games can be fatal when there is a delay of a few seconds. You can reduce lag and delays by investing in a top-notch gaming router that increases connection speeds in no time. But what exactly do you need to consider when buying a router? This is where this post comes into play. I have compiled a list of things you must keep in mind before purchasing this gadget.
Before you invest in a good router, make sure you choose a top-notch internet service provider and plan for the ultimate gaming experience. It is advised to go with providers that do not offer a data cap, especially if you are into online gaming. Xfinity has had my back for years; it comes with no data caps and high-speed internet plans to suit gaming needs. You can check if it is available in your area.
On that note, below are key considerations when buying a gaming router:
Does it Support Wireless or Wired Connections?
Game router connections can be either wired or wireless based on your preferences. Wired connections (Ethernet) provide the most stable and consistent performance, so look for routers with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports. This setup has the obvious disadvantage of requiring a wire to reach the router. Although this may be an issue for portable devices, such as laptops, it is not as serious for full-sized PCs because they tend to remain stationary.
If you need Wi-Fi, ensure the router supports strong wireless coverage and can handle the load of multiple devices without significant drops in speed.
The average person prefers wireless connections because they allow you to connect to your gaming router without having to tether your device physically. Additionally, wireless connections can suffer from inconsistent transfer rates and intermittent signals caused by external factors, such as walls, doors, ceilings, and floors.
What is Your Internet Speed?
The download and upload speeds of your router are heavily influenced by the Wi-Fi standard it employs, known as the Wi-Fi network protocol. Presently, gaming routers utilize Wi-Fi 6, offering notably faster performance compared to the older Wi-Fi 5 standard, previously known as 802.11ac. However, some gaming routers still utilize Wi-Fi 5. If you are seeking cost savings and don’t require the enhanced speed of Wi-Fi 6, these products could be worth considering.
What is the Router’s Latency and Throughput?
Gaming routers offer a notable boost in bandwidth, enabling quicker transmission of data and information.
Additionally, they can mitigate latency to a certain extent, although the latency experienced depends on factors like your connection to the game server and your internet service provider (ISP). The ISP’s quality can vary based on location and available competition. By enhancing data transfer speed, gaming routers prevent bottleneck effects that could otherwise slow gameplay, facilitating swift information exchange between devices.
Did You Check Its Ports and Access Control?
Routers regulate data packet flow across networks to enhance internet speed and efficiency, optimizing pathways. While routers can perform wirelessly, many gamers prefer direct LAN connections for reliability.
Gaming routers equipped with multiple LAN ports facilitate connecting computers, gaming consoles, and printers without wireless interference. Ideally, USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 supported USB ports enable data sharing from peripheral devices like hard drives and printers.
Besides direct connectivity, gaming routers offer enhanced information flow control and the ability to provide limited wireless access to guests through unique SSIDs and passwords, ensuring satisfaction for both users and guests.
That is all for this post. Choosing a router for gaming can be crucial; however, by following the aforementioned tips, you can certainly get your hands on a decent router. For questions and confusion, please drop your comments in the section below.
References
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/youre-gamer-who-wants-best-router-your-needs-what-should-awnie