Consider upgrading your WiFi for smoother in-home game streaming.
Consider upgrading your WiFi for smoother in-home game streaming.
Current configuration: Netgear WiFi N router with Gigabit ports. I'm connecting a gigabit switch to the main PC for routing. Upgrade plans include moving the gaming PC, a second PC, and a new 10G multi-gigabit switch. The old storage server is capped at 8G, so I won't have PCIe lanes for 10G. The primary client is Steam Deck. We also have a MacBook Pro, two iPhones, a Z Fold 3, and a few tablets—though I think that's about it. Streaming to the Deck feels unstable, but it's still using WiFi N. The router is an older model.
It's a dual-band 2.4G/5.0G WiFi router. Yes, at 5.0GHz I mostly get no signal in my bedroom, but 2.4GHz works fine for browsing, saving files online, or updating. Definitely not enough for streaming games from my main PC, though. I think my setup should become a router plus booster, but we'll find out. I plan to buy a WiFi AC router next week or so and test it out.
The property has three separate sections, and the central area isn't practical for running cables. I'd need to run a wire up to the attic, then through the crawl space, another segment back down, and finally install it in a wall—about nine miles of cabling. A repeater could be added in the middle. We might need to slightly renovate the house, relocate the TV, and move computers and networking gear into the living room.
I don’t think it makes sense to keep repeating the signal for streaming games, but I suppose it’s the only option. By the way, cable can extend up to 100 meters, whereas fiber is limited. It might be a big project, but it would definitely pay off if you’re planning a renovation. Just try to run the cable as far as possible, especially if moving the router isn’t feasible. Placing the router higher in the room can also help reduce interference.
The measured distance would be quite short, but a path would be... Impractical. Besides, I don’t own the property, and there’s no way to gain approval for cutting into walls for Ethernet cables. The best chance is relocating the modem and router across the house, though that seems unlikely. Oh... Powerline Ethernet might be the only viable choice. I could lay Ethernet over power lines to the opposite side and set up a router in my bedroom as an access point?