Mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional routers. But do they actually work for gaming? And are they worth the investment? If you’re a gamer, you know how important it is to have a fast and reliable internet connection. Unfortunately, traditional routers can often be unreliable, resulting in poor gaming performance.
In this guide, I’ll help you choose the best mesh router for gaming based on your specific needs. Additionally, we’ll discuss how mesh routers impact latency and whether they’re worth the investment.
Do Mesh Routers Work for Gaming?
Yes, mesh routers can work for gaming. Mesh WiFi systems use multiple access points and extenders to increase the range of your home WiFi and reduce dead zones, which can improve your gaming experience. While mesh routers are not designed for latency-critical tasks such as competitive gaming, they can still be useful for casual gamers who do not require ultra-low latency. Additionally, some mesh routers may also have features such as Quality of Service (QoS) or prioritization options to manage traffic demands on the network.
How does a mesh router system work?
The router and nodes use internal antennas and are usually designed to blend in with your home’s décor. They have at least one LAN port for connecting to devices like TVs and gaming consoles, but USB connectivity is a rare feature at this point.
These systems operate on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands, support Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, and use band steering to automatically select the least crowded band for the best performance.
Most mesh routers let you configure port forwarding settings as well as parental controls, guest networking options, and device prioritization settings but lack advanced network management options such as individual band control/firewall settings/wireless transmission rate adjustments that traditional routers offer.
Is a gaming router better than a mesh router?
A gaming router is better than a mesh router when it comes to performance. Gaming routers have larger antennas and faster processors, allowing them to handle network-intensive tasks such as online gaming more effectively.
Mesh routers are known for their coverage capabilities, whereas gaming routers do not have this feature. Additionally, mesh routers may have some kind of quality of service (QoS) or prioritization option which can help manage traffic demands on a home network but this is not typically found on gaming routers.
What are the differences between Mesh and Traditional Wi-Fi routers?
Both Mesh and Traditional Wi-Fi routers are designed to provide internet access to a home or business. Traditional routers can only supply internet from a single access point, while Mesh systems have multiple nodes or access points, allowing you to enjoy equally strong internet connectivity at all locations of your house.
The main difference between the two types of routers is that traditional wifi routers are centralized systems broadcasting wifi connectivity from that particular location in your home where the router is physically located while mesh networking systems consist of a central hub and satellite nodes. Additionally, traditional routers cannot guarantee complete coverage for your entire house whereas mesh networking systems aim to provide complete coverage throughout various areas of your home.
5 Best Mesh WiFi Routers for Gaming
1. TP-Link Deco X90
The TP-Link Deco X90 AX6600 (2-Pack) is a great choice for gaming due to its support for Wi-Fi 6 technology and multi-gigabit WAN port. The Wi-Fi 6 standard delivers up to 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 1201 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, ensuring fast connection speeds with minimal or no lag.
Additionally, it comes with two Ethernet ports (1× 2.5 Gbps and 1× Gigabit) which are compatible with traditional Cat6 and Cat5E cables, allowing you to connect your devices without needing to purchase new cables.
Furthermore, it’s six (4 High-Gain, 2 Smart) internal antennas boost signals in all directions of a big house extending up to 6600 sqft of coverage area which makes it perfect for major Esports events where several gamers compete against each other for prize money
2. Amazon Eero Pro 6
The Amazon Eero Pro 6 is a tri-band mesh router that delivers fast speeds and strong signal strength. It has an extra 5GHz band that allows the nodes to send and receive signals without interfering with device traffic, which prevents network congestion and ensures lag-free gaming.
The router has two Gigabit Ethernet ports for enhanced connectivity and a USB-C port for power adapter use. Furthermore, it is compatible with Alexa voice commands via an app which makes setup easier than ever before.
Finally, its security features provide advanced protection against malware and ransomware threats – perfect for gamers who need peace of mind while they play!
3. Netgear Orbi RBK752
The Netgear Orbi RBK752 is a good choice for gaming due to its dual bands and three-band Wi-Fi 6 technology. It delivers stable connections with speeds up to 1200 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2400 Mbps on the 5GHz band, as well as an additional 5GHz backhaul band that helps eliminate lag or latency when streaming high-end games.
Additionally, it includes integrated MU-MIMO technology which allows multiple devices connected to the mesh router to receive data at similar rates. The RBK752 also has six antennas that can beamform wireless signals towards a single receiving device for faster connections than traditional antennas.
Furthermore, its app supports easy configuration of settings and adding devices to networks while also providing security features like Netgear Armor and smart parental controls.
4. Asus ZenWiFi XD6
The Asus ZenWiFi XD6 is a great choice for gaming due to its fast speeds and vast coverage. It offers up to 5,400 square feet of coverage and delivers 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz band, making it suitable for network-intensive games.
It comes with an adaptive QoS feature that allows users to select from multiple profiles for optimal performance. Furthermore, its dual-band system provides better latency than other tri-band routers on the list making it ideal for gaming purposes.
Finally, the device is equipped with security features such as AirProtection Pro Antivirus and parental controls which ensure maximum safety while browsing online or playing games online.
5. Linksys Velop AX MX10600 Smart Mesh Wi-fi 6 router
The Linksys Velop AX MX10600 Smart Mesh Wi-fi 6 router features tri-band technology, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB ports, support for 50+ connected devices, and Wi-fi 6 speeds of up to 5.3 Gbps. It also comes with Mu-Mimo technology to enable downloads and uploads to eight separate devices simultaneously.
Additionally, it has an easy installation process through the Linksys mobile app which allows users to set up their router remotely without needing a WiFi technician. The system also provides parental controls, device prioritization options as well as guest networks through the app.
Furthermore, security features such as antivirus software need to be installed separately in order to protect your devices against threats
How do I optimize my mesh router for gaming?
Mesh systems are better for full-house coverage if your home has a large floor area or is feature a complicated layout. And using an access point would be ideal if your home is wired with Ethernet.
To optimize your mesh router for gaming:
- If possible, run an Ethernet connection directly from your router to your gaming device. This will provide the lowest latency and most consistent connection.
- If you cannot run an Ethernet connection directly to your router, use powerline adapters instead to achieve a wired connection without needing long network cables throughout the house.
- Consider implementing Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router or mesh system in order to prioritize gaming traffic over other devices connected to the network; consult the manual for more information about this feature on your particular model of mesh system/router
Alternatives to Mesh Wi-Fi for Gaming
Direct ethernet connection
A direct ethernet connection is the best option for serious online gamers. It provides low latency and a consistent connection since it is directly connected from the router to the gaming device. With a few minutes of DIY and a longer ethernet cable, gamers can still make it work for devices that are further away from the router.
For example, if you are close to your router you can use 10m ethernet cables like those shown in Amazon’s link above to create a wired connection between your gaming device and router. Alternatively, powerline adapters such as those shown in TP-Link’s video above can also be used if there isn’t enough room for long cables throughout your home or apartment complex.
Use Powerline adapters
Powerline adapters can help to provide a wired internet connection for gaming. They use the power wiring inside your house to deliver a wired connection anywhere near a power outlet.
This allows you to connect one adapter to your router and the other end to a power outlet, then connect another adapter to your device and the nearest power outlet for seamless gaming without any lag or dropped connections.
Gaming routers
Gaming routers are designed to provide the best possible gaming experience by offering features such as low latency, high bandwidth, and dedicated gaming ports. However, they can be expensive and may not be compatible with all types of games.
FAQ
What is a mesh router?
A mesh router is a wireless networking device that uses a mesh network to provide a robust and reliable internet connection. Mesh routers use interconnecting nodes that transmit data between each other, providing greater coverage than traditional routers. The nodes are usually wireless, though some may be wired instead.
Each device works as both a transmitter and receiver, sending signals to nearby nodes in order to extend the range of the network. This allows for fewer dead spots in areas with multiple nodes installed, as well as greater security due to added encryption. Mesh routers are often used in larger homes or businesses where traditional routers may not provide sufficient coverage or speed for all devices connected to them.
What are the best mesh routers for gaming?
The best mesh routers for gaming in 2022 are the TP-Link Deco X90, Amazon Eero Pro 6, Netgear Orbi RBK752, and Asus ZenWiFi XD6. These devices offer high-end features such as Wi-Fi 6 technology, multiple antennas for better coverage, and QoS to prioritize gaming traffic. They also come with MU-MIMO support which allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously without slowing down the connection speed.
Does a mesh router increase latency for gaming?
Mesh routers do not have low latency due to the additional devices connected to the mesh, as well as the hardware itself. This can lead to increased ping for fast-paced online games, as each relay will add more distance for the signal to travel through and increase latency.
Does a mesh router system improve overall internet connection speed?
A mesh router system can provide better internet connection speeds than a traditional router. This is because the nodes in the system work together to provide a stronger and more reliable signal, which is void of sudden drops in signal strength or quality of connection.
As a result, users can experience faster internet speeds when connected to a mesh network compared to those connected to traditional routers.
Do mesh routers add latency?
Yes, mesh routers can add latency. The more devices connected to the mesh, the higher the latency between each relay will be. Additionally, mesh routers are not designed with low latency in mind and have hardware that can become a bottleneck for fast-paced online games.
Are mesh routers better?
Mesh routers provide a more robust and reliable signal than traditional routers. They are able to provide a stronger connection with fewer sudden drops in signal strength or quality of connection. Additionally, mesh routers are much more secure than traditional routers and are harder to penetrate.
Traditional routers still have their advantages over mesh routers. They can typically offer faster internet speeds than mesh networks due to their centralized architecture, though this may vary depending on the specific router model and setup used. Additionally, they tend to be less expensive than mesh systems since they do not require additional hardware components such as an antenna or amplifier.