If you suffer from poor Wi-Fi coverage across your home and yearn for a more stable gaming experience when online, try plugging in a pair of Powerline Adapters.
Before we start, if Powerline Adapters are something that is new to you or you're still not sure on how they work, this video below will give you a quick Introduction to how they can help you.
Now to the good stuff
Competitive online gaming is a cut-throat, hot blooded spectacle based on quick fire reactions, clear communication and a rock solid Internet connection. If you’re frequently jittering and stuttering around due to spotty Wi-Fi coverage, then the chances are you’ll end up at the bottom of the competitive pile - with a few choice words from your teammates thrown in.
Lag, random drops and latency issues are the bane of any discerning gamer who dares to step into the online arena. And unfortunately, there are countless factors that can interfere with your precious download speeds: whether it be the thickness of walls in your home, the presence of other devices nearby, or even something as innocent as using the microwave.
The biggest factor that can impact your Wi-Fi experience, however, comes solely down to distance. The further away your device is from the router, the weaker the Wi-Fi connection will be. Consequently, a weaker connection is also more prone to interference - and that’s not good news.
It’s Electric
So what’s the solution to this particular problem? After all, it’s not your fault that the router is located on the other side of the house.
You could drag a lengthy cable from your console or PC and plug it directly into your router, which guarantees the best possible connection. But for the majority of people this simply isn’t a feasible option. Having wires trailing throughout your home and jimmied under door frames is at best an eyesore and at worst completely impractical.
However, almost every room has a plug socket. And by plugging in a pair of Powerline Adapters, you can channel the power of your home’s electrical wiring into a reliable, stable and practical source of internet. I know, it sounds like magic.
Plug in Baby
Powerline Adapters are unbelievably simple to set up. Even if you’re a self-confessed technophobe they’re as tech friendly as it gets. You find a socket next to your router, plug an adapter in, and connect the adapter via an Ethernet cable to your router. You then repeat this exact same method at the location of your chosen device, be it a console or a TV, and after pressing down on a couple of sync buttons for no more than a few seconds, you’ll be good to go. It really is that easy.
Live Wire
But what about devices that don’t have an Ethernet port? Or perhaps you simply desire a stronger Wi-Fi connection throughout your home? Well, Powerline Adapters are here to save the day yet again, as a variety of models have additional Wi-Fi functionality built-in. These adapters can create mini Wi-Fi hotspots for your wireless devices to connect, and counteract the loss of signal strength that occurs the further away you are from the router.
There are a few minor caveats to consider when using Powerline Adapters. First of all, you can’t plug them into a surge protector or extension lead. If your sockets are full from other devices then this may prove problematic as you’ll need to rejig things around, although you can buy Powerline Adapters with passthrough sockets if you’re really stuck for space.
The biggest concern, however, although very unlikely, is that your home’s electrical wiring isn’t up to date, which would greatly hinder performance. Again, this is rare, but it’s something to keep in mind if you live a particularly old building.
So, if you’re at the mercy of a weak Wi-Fi connection, Powerline Adapters can be the key to maximising your download speeds. Enjoy a faster, interference free connection, and kiss goodbye to lag when gaming online.
Check out Novatech’s range of Powerline Adapters.
Adam Vjestica is a Guest Writer and is the Editor-in-Chief at Sumonix