Check your connection settings, update your device software, and consider switching to a wired connection if possible.
Check your connection settings, update your device software, and consider switching to a wired connection if possible.
I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast. I currently share an apartment with my mom in a quieter town, which means the internet options here aren’t ideal right away. Before moving here, I was still young enough that online connectivity wasn’t a priority for me. Now, I’ve started enjoying PC gaming and even built my own computer—something I’m quite proud of (it’s an i7-8086k with an RTX 3080 and 32GB RAM).
The issue I’m facing is pretty clear: the internet here is really lacking. I usually rely on my phone’s hotspot, which offers unlimited high-speed data but only with a throttled connection. I switched to it around when COVID hit. Before that, I used the apartment’s Wi-Fi, but it wasn’t enough. Calling it “internet” feels like an exaggeration. During busy periods or even during off-peak times, websites would load slowly, and playing online games became nearly impossible.
What I’m really after is a better connection. I’ve tried various solutions—checking all the available options, but nothing seems to work. My landlord doesn’t allow any changes to the building, so things like fiber installation or satellite dishes aren’t possible. Similarly, Starlink would require physical setup on my roof, which isn’t feasible right now. I’m hoping for a quick fix or something that can really boost my speed.
The best option available is a 4G router, though that's roughly all there is.
Check if any vendor can offer a better solution within your current network, otherwise cellular remains your sole choice.
If only one internet service is available, it’s likely to be slow—typically around 700ms latency. If you have more options, consider providers offering guaranteed minimum speeds, as they may provide more reliable performance.
Radio communication via 4G/5G or Wi-Fi ensures consistent low latency. A fiber connection would cause little impact on the structure. You can swap the nail clamp with a double tape wire clamp that doesn’t penetrate the walls.
Cellular connection similar to what you’re using today. If your location resembles the US, most apartment complexes require agreements with the ISP to block other providers. That means you should consider a mobile solution. You mentioned satellite isn’t viable. Most WISPs (wireless internet services) will likely need a satellite dish for connectivity, which is not feasible. Cellular is the only viable choice. Check if your service offers home internet plans. As others have noted, T-Mobile and Verizon provide options in the US. T-Mobile’s “Unlimited” plan may deprioritize your data, but according to reports, their home internet has the least priority on their network. Still, many users report it works fine. However, many cellular carriers use CGNAT, preventing port forwarding and potentially affecting gaming performance. Latency is also expected to be higher.