Verify your router's stability by checking for consistent performance and troubleshooting any issues.
Verify your router's stability by checking for consistent performance and troubleshooting any issues.
I’m experiencing occasional problems with unstable high and low pings while playing Escape From Tarkov, along with erratic connection speeds and high ping in Discord. Turning the router off and on again resolves these issues, which makes me think it might be failing soon. My router is an Asus RT-AC68U, four years old and showing signs of wear. It connects my PC via Ethernet to a TP Link TL-PA9020P powerline kit. I live in a compact apartment with fresh wiring, so I’m not sure the building’s setup is the cause. I also have another PC in the living room linked directly to the router via Ethernet for comparison. I’m trying to figure out whether the powerline kit or something else is affecting performance. If needed, I could run a long Ethernet cable from the router to my PC, but I’d prefer not to do that as it would be complicated. I don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi as my main connection and have all firmware up to date.
I’d compare it to the PC that’s hardwired. Powerline adapters might cause odd ping and bandwidth problems. If the other PC functions properly, you likely have the issue elsewhere. If both struggle, we can investigate further, but I’d first suspect the powerline adapter and test to rule it out.
Check online tools and software for testing. Use websites or apps that simulate connection checks.
Powerline adapters often lead to unusual networking problems, even in brand-new homes. The issue hinges on how the electrical wiring connects to the panel. You could skip using these adapters by linking your PC straight to the router or modem, then recheck the connection. Troubleshooting networks involves removing and testing each device one by one until you find the culprit.
iperf3 works well for this task. The download page at hyperfr.fr offers many guides online. You’ll need two devices to use iperf3 and check your connection. Watch for packet drops using the UDP protocol.