Gaming has evolved so much over the last 2 decades. Multiplayer is very different from what it used to be. Back in the early days, multiplayer meant connecting multiple controllers to the same console and playing the game with another person. Now, multiplayer means connecting with other players online. The concept is still the same, but now you have millions of partners to choose from rather than being stuck with one.
The console’s also have changed over the years. Multiplayer games are not only restricted to Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PS3) or Nintendo consoles but include computers, smartphones and laptops as well. They all have one thing in common. They require a connection to the internet in order to play.
The largest frustration, other than loosing an epic battle, is having low internet speed. Low Internet speed results in the game exiting the lobby or playing through heavy lag. Either situation is bad. It is these situations that have given way for routers that are specifically meant for gaming.
Lets Get Connected
Before I start listing the different gaming routers, first thing of the utmost importance is that for best possible speeds, connect your console directly to the router. Having a direct connection will provide the highest speed as nothing will stop the transmission except a broken wire.
The problem with wireless routers, is that signal from the router could be very weak because of how far it is and how many things are in the way. The more things that are in the way such as walls, floors etc… the weaker the signal will be. Try first to connect your Xbox or Playstation directly to your wireless router.
Wireless Routers
D-Link Xtreme N Gaming Router
This is a very unique router because it has this feature called “Gamefuel Priority”. Gamefuel priority allows you to manage your network settings by giving more network bandwidth to your gaming connection instead of others that are on the network.
Having distance between you and the D-link xtreme is no problem because of it’s multiple frequencies. If other electronics in your house have the same frequency as the router then they will interfere with the wireless signal. But you can change the D-link from 2.4 ghz to 5 ghz.
The only concern some customers have had is with updating the firmware. So make sure you check D-link’s website of any firmware issues.
Linksys Wireless-G Gaming Adapter
This wireless gaming adapter allows you to connect multiple consoles to your network. If you have a current network, then you can use this adapter to connect to that network and distribute the internet connection to your console.
One of the biggest challenges customers found with this is the installation. The operating manual and user guide are not thoroughly detailed so it will take longer to install if you have a more complex network. Once the adapter is configured then it works flawlessly.
Internet Connection Resources
There are some great trouble shooting guides available online from each of the main console distributers.
- Xbox Connection Troubleshooting