Hey everyone, I live with a roommate and we often play games together. Recently, we've been experiencing random internet spikes that cause both of us to drop out of our online gaming sessions, even though our speeds and ping are solid. After Xfinity reset our connection, things were stable for a bit, but as we moved to more LAN gaming like Minecraft, we ran into lag issues, especially while using Discord at the same time. I did some digging and suspect it might be a router bottleneck causing these disconnects. I'm wondering if I should reach out to Xfinity to see if they can upgrade their modem/router, or if investing in my own router is a better option. I've heard mixed opinions on whether buying your own makes a significant difference. What do you all think?
4 Answers
If you can afford it, I'd definitely say go for a new router! But first, double-check that the problem is really with the modem/router, and not something else like unauthorized users on your network. A good modem can make a huge difference, trust me.
From my experience, it's usually a good idea to replace your ISP's router. You'll often get better performance and more features with a decent third-party unit. Don't overlook used options either; I got my Nighthawk for a steal and it's still doing great even after upgrading!
Honestly, unless you're looking for specific features that your Xfinity router lacks, swapping it out might not be necessary. If it's malfunctioning, though, definitely ask them for a replacement. You might end up needing to change it anyway, even if you decide to buy your own later.
A new router could really help your situation! Just keep in mind a couple of things:
1. What kind of devices are you using? If your PC has an older Wi-Fi adapter and you buy a top-of-the-line router, you won't gain much since the adapter limits your speeds.
2. What's the current setup? Is your router and modem combined or separate? Knowing this helps in figuring out the best solution.
We both use PCs connected via Ethernet and I think we have an all-in-one unit. How can I find out what my PC's network capabilities are?