Do Gaming Routers Increase Download Speed? Best Ways to Speed Up Your Gaming Experience

You’re trying to enjoy your favorite online game, but you keep getting laggy connection or slow download speeds. This ruins the gaming experience and can be frustrating. You may be wondering if a gaming router could help improve your speed and gameplay experience.

If you’re struggling with slow speeds or poor connections, it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending battle. But there are ways to improve your situation. With the right router and a few simple tips, you can take your gaming experience to the next level.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the right router for your needs and provide tips on improving your speed and gameplay experience. By following our advice, you can enjoy a lag-free gaming experience in no time.

Does a Gaming Router Increase Internet Download Speed?

Yes, gaming routers can increase internet download speeds. They do this by prioritizing console traffic over other activities on the network, which reduces latency and provides a more stable connection. Additionally, high-end gaming routers can pair you with the closest server for faster downloads and lower your ping rate for an improved gaming experience.

Gaming routers handle more data, more quickly – meaning they can provide the best visual and audio experiences when playing multiplayer games with others.

What is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming?

Most video game console manufacturers recommend at least 3Mbps (or “megabits per second,” the measurement of how much data can be moved in a second) of download speed and 0.5Mbps to 1Mbps of upload speed as generally “good internet speeds.”

According to High Speed Internet, the recommended minimum internet speed according to console is shown in the table below:

Conventional wisdom might lead you to believe that slow internet speeds are the cause of all your gaming problems. In reality, the only time gaming requires something faster than your average broadband internet (25-50 Mbps) is when you’re downloading a new game or update.

We’d suggest at least a 50 Mbps internet connection if you’re getting the internet for yourself, and upgrade to plans with a minimum download speed of at least 150 Mbps for larger households and families.

With faster download speeds, your home internet can easily support more Zoom calls or Netflix sessions without running into performance issues. In all, make sure that your latency is good and that you don’t have other devices competing for the internet while you’re gaming.

How do gaming routers help increase download speeds?

Most gaming routers have features that prioritize console traffic over other activities in your household. This helps reduce latency, as the router is able to direct all of your console’s internet traffic directly to it without interference from other devices on the network.

Some gaming routers also feature advanced settings that allow you to pair with the closest server for faster gameplay, lower your ping rate for smoother gameplay, and provide up to 1Gbps of download speed if you are paying for a higher-tier package from your ISP (up to 1.4 Gbps if supported by modem).

Finally, having a high-end gaming router will usually mean fewer devices can be connected before slowing down speeds due to contention at the ISP level or lag due to insufficient bandwidth between wireless nodes on the network (not applicable if connecting via Ethernet).

10 Practical Ways to Improve Internet Download Speed For Gaming

1. Switch to a Gaming Router

A gaming router can improve internet download speeds for gaming by providing a stable and consistent connection, as well as a high-speed gigabit ethernet port.

By using a gaming router, gamers can experience faster download speeds since it prioritizes certain types of traffic over others and has features such as MU-MIMO which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without any issues.

2. Use a High-Speed Internet Connection

Using a high-speed Internet connection can improve internet download speed for gaming by providing faster bandwidth and a stronger wireless connection.

This allows multiple users on multiple devices to connect without sacrificing speed or quality, which is especially important for gaming sessions with high data requirements such as streaming audio or video content. Additionally, a high-speed Internet connection can offer better WiFi performance over longer periods of time compared to lower speeds.

Below is a table of the best connections for high-speed gaming according to high-speed internet website.

The best way to get a good online connection for gaming is through fiber from providers like AT&T, Google Fiber, or Verizon Home Internet. Cable internet comes in second with some 5G networks also providing stable connections with low latency. DSL generally introduces more latency but it’s still a better option than wireless connections.

3. Disable Unnecessary Applications

Close down all unnecessary applications on your computer, including virus detection software and other applications that may be slowing down your internet connection.

Test your internet connection speed to identify the culprit, then close down or disable any applications that are slowing it down further. If applicable, scan any computers used by gaming or other computer users for viruses with a virus scanner such as Norton Antivirus software (available cheaply on Amazon).

4. Use a Quality Ethernet Cable

Using a quality Ethernet cable can improve internet download speed for gaming because it is more reliable and faster than wireless connections.

An Ethernet cable provides a direct connection between your device and the router, allowing for faster transfer rates and fewer disruptions in service. Additionally, the longer the cable is, the slower your connection will be due to signal degradation. A high-quality Ethernet cable will provide faster speeds and better reliability than an older or shorter one.

5. Improve the Position of the Router

Positioning the router correctly can improve internet download speed for gaming. Placing the router in an open spot away from walls and obstructions, pointing the antennas perpendicularly with one horizontally and one vertically, and keeping it away from other electronics that might cause interference such as microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones; all of these actions will improve connectivity.

By positioning your wireless router correctly you can increase download speeds for gaming by eliminating signal interference from walls or other electronics that may be causing a slowdown in connection speed.

In addition, modern routers have dual-band functionality which allows older devices to still access Wi-Fi signals on separate channels so everyone on your network has better access to bandwidth.

6. Use a Wireless Network Adapter

Using a wireless network adapter can improve internet download speed for gaming. This is because it increases the channel width with options of 20, 40, 80, and even 160 MHz to increase Wi-Fi connection speed and extend range.

By increasing the channel width of your router’s settings, you can reduce lag time when playing games online or downloading large files. This will provide a smoother gaming experience with faster load times and fewer interruptions in gameplay due to connectivity issues.

7. Stream Video at a Lower Quality

One way to improve your internet download speed for gaming is to stream video at a lower quality. This can be done by reducing the resolution or bitrate of the video. Doing so will use less bandwidth and allow for smoother streaming. Additionally, you can also try to avoid watching videos in full-screen mode as this can also use up more bandwidth.

8. Use a Wireless Router with Multiple Antennas

Using a wireless router with multiple antennas can improve internet download speed for gaming. This is because it allows the router to send and receive signals in multiple directions, thereby increasing the number of available Wi-Fi channels and improving signal strength.

By using a wireless router with multiple antennas, you can reduce interference from other electronics and increase the speed of your Wi-Fi connection. This will allow you to play online games faster without experiencing lag or dropped connections. Additionally, having more channels available gives you greater bandwidth for downloading large files quickly without slowing down your internet connection.

9. Enable QoS Settings in the Router

Access the settings menu on your router. This can usually be done by logging into the router’s website or by navigating through the settings menu of your home computer or mobile device.

Find the QoS settings and activate them. Your router may have different options for how to prioritize Internet traffic, such as by device type or application type (e.g., gaming apps). Follow the instructions provided with your router in order to configure these settings correctly for optimal performance with gaming applications such as online multiplayer games or single-player titles with large file sizes like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Test out your new settings by downloading a large file from an online source like Amazon Cloud Drive and comparing download speeds before and after activating QoS on your specific model of router.

10. Add an Ethernet Adapter to Your Gaming Rig

Adding an Ethernet adapter to your gaming rig can improve internet download speed by bypassing any potential interference caused by other devices on the network and sending an uninterrupted signal directly from the router to your PC.

By connecting an Ethernet cable from your router to your PC, you can ensure that there is no lag in gameplay due to slow or interrupted internet connections. This will also allow for faster download speeds as compared to a wireless connection.

What is the best high-speed router for gaming and faster internet download speed?

1. TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router

The TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router is a good choice for gaming because it offers three separate wireless bands to provide stable and fast connectivity. It features two 5 GHz frequencies and one 2.4 GHz frequency, allowing users to connect multiple devices without experiencing any lag or slowdown in speed.

In addition, it comes with six antennae and eight Ethernet ports for optimal coverage and performance in any gaming setup. The router also includes advanced features such as Game Boost which optimizes network performance by automatically detecting online games and prioritizing them over other applications.

Furthermore, its powerful 1GHz dual-core processor ensures fast load times even when multiple devices are connected at once. Finally, the device has smart parental controls that allow users to limit access based on time of day or content type (e.g., video game).

2. Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300

The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 is an excellent high-speed gaming router due to its powerful Wi-Fi 5 standard, dual bands, and fast wireless networking security. It offers top speeds that are comparable to those of Asus’ Wi-Fi 6-equipped GT-AX11000 router but at a much more affordable price point.

The GT-AC2900 comes with all the gaming features you would expect from an Asus gaming router such as customizable Quality of Service engine and game/platform-specific open NAT port forwarding rules.

It has RGB lighting effects which add a nice touch to any gaming setup. All these features make it a great choice for gamers who want faster internet download speeds without breaking the bank on their new router purchase.

3. Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500)

The Netgear Nighthawk Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500) is an excellent choice for gaming and faster internet download speed due to its powerful hardware and advanced features. It offers up to six streams of Wi-Fi in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which means more bandwidth for faster, lag-free connections.

Plus, it uses DumaOS software that includes a number of features designed to minimize bufferbloat, including built-in SQM for controlling bufferbloat. This router also supports connections up to 1 Gbps on both bands, making it one of the fastest routers on the market today.

What are the benefits of using a gaming router to increase internet download speed?

1. Improved gaming performance

Using a gaming router can improve gaming performance by enhancing your network security, prioritizing certain types of traffic over others, and providing optimized wireless connections.

This enables players to experience faster load times, fewer disconnections and lag spikes, better audio quality, and reduced interference from other devices on the network. The router also provides features such as Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow you to prioritize gaming traffic for maximum performance.

2. Better wireless connectivity

Using a gaming router improves wireless connectivity by providing faster Wi-Fi speeds, stronger signal coverage, and more advanced features than standard routers.

This results in improved performance for streaming videos, music, chatting with friends, and other internet activities that require a wireless connection. The faster speeds also allow for smoother online gaming experiences without lag or latency issues.

3. Reduced lag and latency

Using a gaming router, such as the Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000 with DumaOS 3.0, can reduce lag and latency by providing geo-filtering, ping heatmap, and bandwidth allocation features. These features allow gamers to locate the best servers for their games based on distance and ping rate; block undesirable servers; and analyze historical data for strategizing picks of low-ping servers.

By using these features, gamers can reduce their latency by 93%, giving them an advantage over competitors with higher pings due to better accuracy in shots on target and faster input processing times. Additionally, having a strong internet connection via Ethernet cables eliminates wireless latency issues completely for better overall gameplay experiences.

4. Increased bandwidth and speeds

Using a gaming router can increase bandwidth and speeds by improving the Wi-Fi standards used. Gaming routers typically support newer Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) which allows for faster speeds than older routers that only support 802.11g (Wi-Fi 3).

Using a gaming router can increase bandwidth and speeds because it uses newer technologies that provide higher data transfer rates than older routers. Additionally, these routers are often designed specifically with gamers in mind and come with features like advanced parental controls, advanced security settings, and Gamers Private Network (GPN) technology.

5. Improved wireless range

Using a gaming router can improve wireless range by providing faster data streams, updating routers and devices to the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, and tweaking settings to increase channel width.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your wireless connection has optimal speed and range for streaming videos or chatting with friends without any interruptions or delays in communication.

6. Improved security and protection

Using a gaming router can improve security and protection by providing features such as firewalls, network encryption, parental controls, and Wi-Fi calling. Gaming routers also have advanced security features such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) that alert users when an unauthorized device tries to connect to the network.

Moreover, gaming routers are often equipped with dual-band or tri-band technology which allows them to broadcast on two or three different frequencies simultaneously for better coverage and faster speeds.

Additionally, many gaming routers come with dedicated hardware such as NAT acceleration chipsets that optimize internet performance by reducing lag time in online games. Lastly, some gaming routers even offer VPN services which allow users to connect securely from anywhere in the world without sacrificing speed or bandwidth allocation.

7. Improved smart home connectivity

Using a gaming router can improve smart home connectivity by enhancing security, prioritizing certain types of traffic, and improving the overall quality of wireless connections.

The use of a gaming router can ensure that all connected devices have fast, reliable internet access and that data transmissions are secure from unauthorized access or intrusion. This allows for uninterrupted streaming services, better online chatting experiences, and more efficient control over smart home appliances such as lights or thermostats.

8. Easier setup and configuration

Using a gaming router simplifies the setup and configuration of a router for increased internet download speed by providing users with the ability to customize their network traffic and game settings. This includes features such as the ability to set up bandwidth limits, prioritize certain types of content over others, and control latency.

Unlike traditional routers which typically do not provide these advanced features, gaming routers allow users to optimize their network traffic for better hit rates, lower latency, and stronger pings. This helps them gain complete control over their internet connection so they can ensure optimal performance when playing games online or downloading large files.

9. Cost savings over a traditional router

Using a gaming router can help improve the performance of your home network, enhance your security, and prioritize certain types of traffic over others. This can be beneficial for both home users and businesses alike as it allows for faster internet download speeds and better overall connectivity.

A regular router is the most basic piece of equipment you can get to power your home network. It is more affordable than a gaming router and simpler to use compared to more advanced models. However, regular routers are not as efficient at optimizing WiFi performance or adjusting settings as gaming routers are.

10. Increased flexibility compared to other routers

Most gaming routers have the feature of quality of service (QoS), which allows users to prioritize one device over other devices.

They also have a good interface that allows for cleaning up your streaming connection, minimizing audio and video distortion. Gaming routers allow users to connect multiple devices at once without any issue of data loss or buffering.

On the other hand, regular routers do not offer these features and are unable to handle large volumes of traffic as efficiently as gaming routers can.

They also lack the convenience of being able to prioritize certain devices over others or connect multiple devices simultaneously without any issues related to data loss or buffering.

FAQ

Can a better router increase internet speed?

A better router can increase internet speed by processing and managing every device on your home network more efficiently. It can also help maximize the bandwidth of your internet plan by routing network traffic more efficiently.

The result is faster Wi-Fi connections for all devices connected to the router, regardless of their capabilities or age. Additionally, a new router may be able to reach speeds higher than what is offered on your current internet plan if it supports newer technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 or Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Does internet speed affect gaming?

Yes, internet speed does affect gaming. Slow internet speeds (25-50 Mbps) are not fast enough to support downloading large files such as a new game or update. Additionally, a fast-paced video game like Apex Legends still requires only 512 Kbps of bandwidth.

With higher download speeds (at least 50 Mbps for individuals and 150 Mbps for larger households), your home internet can easily support more Zoom calls or Netflix sessions without running into performance issues. However, even with a fast internet plan, it is important to consider other factors such as latency, jitter, and packet loss which can affect your video game experience.

Does using a gaming router reduce latency?

Using a gaming router can reduce latency in online games. The Asus GT-AXE11000 Gaming router features Aura RGB lighting that enhances the gaming experience by providing vibrant colors and dynamic effects. It has a ping rate of 1–40 ms which provides an excellent lag-free gaming experience.

Furthermore, connecting your gaming PC or console with an Ethernet cable will eliminate wireless latency issues and provide the strongest internet connection possible for optimal gameplay.

How do I test my network latency?

Go to www.speedtest.net and download the SpeedTest app for your smartphone or computer.

1. Run a speed test to measure your internet connection’s download and upload speeds in Mbps (megabits per second).
2. Once you have the results, compare them with a separate latency test that measures how long it takes for data packets to travel between two points on the network (in ms or milliseconds).
3. If there is an increase in latency while running both tests at the same time, then it is likely that your router/network equipment suffers from bufferbloat which can be fixed by changing settings or upgrading hardware/software versions of routers/modems/switches etcetera .

What is the difference between ping, latency, and bandwidth?

Ping, latency, and bandwidth are all related concepts. Ping measures the round-trip time (RTT) or how long it takes for a packet to get from your device to the internet network and back. Latency is usually expressed in microseconds (ms). Bandwidth refers to the speed of an internet connection and can be measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Ping measures how quickly information is sent from your gaming platform to the gaming server, while latency is how long it takes for a packet to get from your device to the internet network and back. Bandwidth refers to how fast data can be transferred over an internet connection; higher bandwidths mean faster speeds for downloading files or streaming videos online.

What is the best type of connection for gaming?

For most gamers, a wired connection is the preferred means of gaming. A wired connection offers better reliability and speed than a wireless (WiFi) connection.

For those who have access to Fiber internet, this is always the best combination for gaming needs. Even if you do not have access to fiber internet, a wired connection with regular internet may still be your best bet for reliable and stable internet that can be used for gaming.

It’s important to optimize your WiFi connection by ensuring your game system is as close to your router as possible and that the router is placed away from walls or other items that may interfere with your signal.

Is 200Mbps Internet speed enough for gaming?

Yes, 200Mbps Internet speed is enough for gaming. Most games can run just fine on 3 Mbps download speeds since your computer or console does most of the heavy lifting. Additionally, most ISPs only advertise their Internet’s “download speed” which is just a maximum potential and you won’t necessarily see such numbers in real-world use cases.

Furthermore, factors such as ping latency and router can also have an impact on your online gaming experience even if the data plan is above 200Mbps. Therefore it is important to make sure that your internet connection has enough bandwidth to handle multiple players from different parts of the world while maintaining good latency levels and not being bottlenecked by other devices competing for internet usage during gameplay sessions

Why is my router slowing my internet connection?

Your router can become a chokepoint if it is old or low quality, or if it is overloaded with network traffic. This can happen when you have an internet plan with a high bandwidth but use a low-end router that cannot handle the load.

The result is slower connections for both wired and wireless devices connected to your network, as well as reduced bandwidth for wireless connections due to old routers or incompatible technology.

Does old equipment affect my internet download speed?

The performance of your router can affect your wired and wireless connections. Older routers, network equipment, and even the aging wireless devices you use may not be able to handle high-speed internet plans. If your router is outdated or lacks support for modern internet speeds, then your internet connection will appear slow as snails compared to newer devices with budget Wi-Fi radios.