Do Wi Fi Extenders Work for Gaming?
Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work for Gaming? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking
Generally, playing games via a Wi-Fi connection isn't as effective as plugging your games console directly into a router. That's because a hard-wired solution gives you much lower latency. Adding Wi-Fi extenders makes the latency even higher than simply using a Wi-Fi router, which can affect a game's performance when playing something fast-paced online. Lag is more commonplace when using a Wi-Fi extender, especially if you use a cheaper, low-quality device. Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022
For fast-paced games such as online first-person shooters or similar, a Wi-Fi extender isn't a good option, however. The more devices you add to your network, the more likely you will suffer from lag which can impact your performance when gaming.
Ideally, you should place the Wi-Fi extender as near the router as possible, although that can be counterintuitive given the point of the device is to extend your Wi-Fi range. It's also a good idea to make sure the Wi-Fi extender has a line of sight to a router to gain the best performance from it. If the extender needs to be several rooms or floors away from the router, the signal strength may not be sufficient.
It's also essential to ensure the network is not too congested by other users or downloads so that lag is lower. The more people on your network, the more likely speeds will degrade. A Wi-Fi extender isn't as competent as a router, which will be more noticeable.
Playing fast-paced games such as Fortnite or other online first-person shooter games is generally an issue with a Wi-Fi extender. While it's possible to play such games, you may notice some lag issues and slow down while you play.
Alongside that, different Wi-Fi extenders offer different performance levels. Generally, you get what you pay for with cheaper Wi-Fi extenders offering lower performance, lower speeds, and fewer features. It's worth researching options, with avid games players being wise to invest in a more high-end Wi-Fi extender if they can't hardwire their game console. Dedicated gaming routers can also help extend range without separating Wi-Fi extenders alongside them. The 9 Best Gaming Routers, Tested by Lifewire Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Look For in a Gaming PC What To Look For in a Gaming Laptop How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Reset Wi-Fi Extender to New Router How Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work? Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022 How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android Can Wi-Fi Extenders Go Bad? The 9 Best Gaming Routers, Tested by Lifewire How to Extend Wi-Fi Outdoors How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Does Chromecast Work With Wi-Fi Extenders? How to Connect a PC to a Wi-Fi Extender Can I Use Multiple Wi-Fi Extenders? How to Change the Channel on a Wi-Fi Extender Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work for Gaming?
What to know about gaming and Wi-Fi extenders
By Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen Writer Swansea University, Staffordshire University Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 19, 2022 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking Wi-Fi & Wireless The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading If your home network doesn't extend to the full range of your home, a Wi-Fi extender might seem like a good idea so you can play games wirelessly without a problem. Here's a look at everything you need to know about the effectiveness of Wi-Fi extenders when playing games. We recommend a wired connection above all else when it comes to gaming. That's not always possible, but when it is, it's the way to go.Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work for Gaming
Yes, they do, but they aren't the ideal solution.Generally, playing games via a Wi-Fi connection isn't as effective as plugging your games console directly into a router. That's because a hard-wired solution gives you much lower latency. Adding Wi-Fi extenders makes the latency even higher than simply using a Wi-Fi router, which can affect a game's performance when playing something fast-paced online. Lag is more commonplace when using a Wi-Fi extender, especially if you use a cheaper, low-quality device. Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022
Are Wi-Fi Extenders Bad for Gaming
Not necessarily. Depending on your network setup, a Wi-Fi extender is sometimes the only way to play games online. They can be highly effective when playing slower-paced games that are not as severely affected by lag issues.For fast-paced games such as online first-person shooters or similar, a Wi-Fi extender isn't a good option, however. The more devices you add to your network, the more likely you will suffer from lag which can impact your performance when gaming.
Can Wi-Fi Extender Cause Problems
Some Wi-Fi extenders can be a problem when gaming. Typically, cheaper and less powerful Wi-Fi extenders are not up to the task of fast-paced gaming, and so they can negatively affect your timing and reactions when playing a game.Ideally, you should place the Wi-Fi extender as near the router as possible, although that can be counterintuitive given the point of the device is to extend your Wi-Fi range. It's also a good idea to make sure the Wi-Fi extender has a line of sight to a router to gain the best performance from it. If the extender needs to be several rooms or floors away from the router, the signal strength may not be sufficient.
It's also essential to ensure the network is not too congested by other users or downloads so that lag is lower. The more people on your network, the more likely speeds will degrade. A Wi-Fi extender isn't as competent as a router, which will be more noticeable.
Is a Wi-Fi extender Better For Some Games or Worse
It can be both. Generally, Wi-Fi extenders work best with slower-paced games such as RPGs or turn-based games that don't need your fast reactions.Playing fast-paced games such as Fortnite or other online first-person shooter games is generally an issue with a Wi-Fi extender. While it's possible to play such games, you may notice some lag issues and slow down while you play.
Is There a Difference in Performance
Using a Wi-Fi extender can mean your gaming performance is (or could be) impacted. Particularly when it comes to fast-paced games, you may find your internet speeds lower than usual, and therefore your performance may be affected.Alongside that, different Wi-Fi extenders offer different performance levels. Generally, you get what you pay for with cheaper Wi-Fi extenders offering lower performance, lower speeds, and fewer features. It's worth researching options, with avid games players being wise to invest in a more high-end Wi-Fi extender if they can't hardwire their game console. Dedicated gaming routers can also help extend range without separating Wi-Fi extenders alongside them. The 9 Best Gaming Routers, Tested by Lifewire Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Look For in a Gaming PC What To Look For in a Gaming Laptop How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Reset Wi-Fi Extender to New Router How Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work? Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wi-Fi Range Extenders in 2022 How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android Can Wi-Fi Extenders Go Bad? The 9 Best Gaming Routers, Tested by Lifewire How to Extend Wi-Fi Outdoors How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Does Chromecast Work With Wi-Fi Extenders? How to Connect a PC to a Wi-Fi Extender Can I Use Multiple Wi-Fi Extenders? How to Change the Channel on a Wi-Fi Extender Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies