I just moved into a basement room and my landlord has an Xfinity 5G router located upstairs. While the Wi-Fi isn't terrible, I'm looking for the best way to enhance my connection for gaming purposes. Running an Ethernet cable from upstairs isn't really an option. Would using a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh satellite along with a plugged-in Ethernet in my room be my best bet?
3 Answers
5G Wi-Fi typically has higher latency, which isn't ideal for gaming. If you can, it's best to find a way to get a wired connection since that will give you the lowest possible lag. Using an extender might not help much, depending on how far you are from the router.
Your best bet for a decent setup without Ethernet is to go for a gigabit Powerline adapter. You plug one into a wall socket near the router and connect it via Ethernet, then the other one should be near your gaming setup. This method provides a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi.
If the router is just one floor up and not too far horizontally, your Wi-Fi might actually work decently without needing an extender. You could also consider running a Powerline adapter, which transmits your signal through the electrical wiring; it's not as fast as Ethernet, but it can outpace regular Wi-Fi.
Totally agree! If running an Ethernet cable isn't feasible, Powerline kits are a good alternative.
That said, I do use 5G Wi-Fi myself and it performs surprisingly well for gaming.