Gaming routers connect to the internet and deliver a stable connection for online gaming.
Gaming routers connect to the internet and deliver a stable connection for online gaming.
Your router is located in your living room, while you're upstairs and farther away. You're experiencing weak signal strength. You're considering a gaming router from Belkin, but you're unsure about the setup process. Would connecting your PC via Ethernet and linking both routers using the WPS button be a viable option?
Unless your two routers support mesh networking, you won't be able to use the other router as an extender. It's better to relocate the single router to a more central spot OR buy a model with stronger coverage. If you have an ISP router/modem, turn off Wi-Fi on that unit, connect the new one, and configure it normally. "Gaming" is just marketing fluff and doesn't help.
Consider using a different router instead of your current one. A "gaming router" with 5GHz might work better than a 2.4GHz model in your area. While 5GHz offers quicker connections, it can be more easily disrupted by obstacles, so positioning yourself nearer to the router with fewer interferences is key for a strong signal.
Switching to modem mode will disable Wi-Fi for all devices. When purchasing a new router, you can use the Ethernet cable from the existing router (set to modem mode), plug it into the blue WAN port on the new router, and follow the setup guide. Ensure all household members know the Wi-Fi password and assist them in joining the new network.
I don’t know your current router model, but moving from a TL-WR1043ND (2.4GHz) to an RT-AC68U (2.4/5GHz) caused the signal to degrade. You’re in a flat with thin brick walls, which might affect performance.
In the UK the walls are really solid and the doors are made of thick hardwood. I switched to Virgin Media Hub 3.0 but it doesn’t perform well—virgin media is actually poor quality. I tested 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but it just can’t reach far. Even with the router visible from outside, the signal remains weak.