Discussing wired and wireless networks.
Discussing wired and wireless networks.
Hi there, welcome to the forum! I understand this is your first time here. You're looking to play online using a LAN connection instead of WiFi due to home restrictions. Since you have two routers and want the second one to connect wirelessly to your PC while the LAN cable runs from the second router to your computer, it’s technically feasible. Just make sure both devices are properly set up for the same network settings and that the second router can communicate with your PC via the LAN cable. It might require some configuration on both routers, but it should work if everything is connected correctly.
As long as both devices can function as hubs or switches (most do), you could link them together this way. However, you’ll likely need to adjust network settings on one router that doesn’t offer DHCP addresses internally, and then manually set the network from the disabled router on the PCs or systems connected to it. In short, it should work but requires a lot of manual tweaks.
You can look for step-by-step online tutorials to help you set it up yourself.
Ensure a stable connection for uniform performance... minimal delay between your machine and the router, reliable consistent speed, quick handling of data packets regardless of size. Wireless signals change, causing inconsistent travel times for data across the air and processing stages, which raises latency. Depending on the amount and frequency of data sent and received, speeds can shift. If you link two routers via wireless, two outcomes arise: 1. Devices connected through an Ethernet cable can exchange information rapidly with minimal delay (ideal for local multiplayer games) 2. Activities outside the router behave like a wireless card, experiencing variable performance due to changing connections and speeds. For instance, browsing the web or downloading files will feel similar to using Wi-Fi. A middle ground could be powerline networking—leveraging your home's electrical wiring to transmit data between routers. This method is unpredictable; results rely on your wiring setup and chosen standard. Processing delays mean latency might be higher than wireless but more stable, as spikes in activity won't cause sudden jumps like wireless bursts. Powerline setups require pairing one device as the central hub with an Ethernet cable and another as a client connected via a separate cable to your router's WAN port, or plugging the Ethernet cable straight into your PC's network card. Consider options carefully—review options to find the best fit: TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter, NETGEAR Powerline Adapter 2000 Mbps (2), Zyxel Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapter AV2000, or a 2-pack of 2-port Gigabit adapters.
I’m pretty sure there aren’t any specific instructions for your setup. Look for guides on how to set up routers, DHCP/LAN options, like configuring a YC → Router 2 → Router 1 setup. As long as both devices can reach the internet through your home LAN, you have a good reason to switch one of them. Ideally, disable DHCP on the router with fewer connections or where IP settings are simpler. For example, change its default gateway to 192.168.0.1 and use that subnet. Assign other devices static IPs within the same subnet (like 192.168.0.x). Set DNS servers such as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Make sure the network you’re using is reliable, but double-check that the second router isn’t also using the same local IP on its interface before connecting them.
That's correct. Connecting your PC directly to Router 1 via Wi-Fi is likely simpler and more efficient than following the setup instructions from the original post.
A WIFI mesh network will only increase your latency further. He mentioned that Wi-Fi speed and delay will vary. His other suggestions were to use Powerline adapters. Those you insert into your wall outlet, then connect an Ethernet cable from the router to it, and another Powerline adapter in a room outlet, linking your computers via Ethernet. For this setup to function, your home’s electrical system must be properly wired. Some devices can interfere with the powerline signal, similar to how a microwave does.