How to choose and configure a gaming router

Too often, network infrastructure takes a secondary role to the platform itself. Nowadays, multiplayer games require an adequate connection to guarantee a good game. Without these improvements, the game will offer a frustrating experience.

With a little attention and care to your network settings, you can be sure to get the most out of your internet connection to play smoothly. Are we going to build on a next-generation TP-Link router?

How to start with the basics

In a strong gaming network, it is important to have good bandwidth. When we are talking about computer networks, bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be sent and received.

Before you start, take a minute and restart the router and check that the router is running the latest firmware version.

Do not trust the updates you find on the web. Go directly to the manufacturer's official site and download each update there. Also, connect a computer directly to the router with an ethernet cable and run a SpeedTest to assess the speed of your ISP.

Clarification on modern games today

Today, games rely on a continuous round-trip data flow to create a seamless experience. While the initial game download, as well as patches and updates, use considerable bandwidth, the actual game mode uses very little data, contrary to what many people might think.

To get an idea, NetFlix can consume 3 GB per hour for high definition video. Online games, on the other hand, usually need from 20 to 80 MB per hour of play, varying according to the type of game, that is, about 100 times less. With such low data requirements for an online game, many times the connection with more bandwidth will not be the one that will give us the best experience in games, unless there are other simultaneous users in the connection. The key here is to maintain dedicated bandwidth exclusively for the game.

While a video stream is based on a continuous stream of large packets of data on download, online games are based on small packets, both upload and download.

For this reason, it is important to minimize the time it takes for these packages to reach their destination (both outbound and inbound) and ensure that none are lost under normal conditions.

An MMO game is very sensitive to packet loss, and losing just 1% of them can make the game experience frustrating. First-person shooter games and racing games are especially sensitive to latency, which is a measure of the time it takes for a data packet to get from one point to another.

How to configure a router for games

Video games have evolved so much that we have gone from playing with friends in our living room to playing with unknown people from all over the world through online PC games, as well as through services such as Xbox Live for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network for PlayStation.

Update the firmware

Manufacturers like TP-link periodically update their routers' firmware to keep up-to-date with changing technology and security protocols. By keeping the router updated with the new firmware, it is guaranteed that the router will be working as the manufacturer wishes.

This is not only important for games, but also for security. That a stranger can use our network not only affects us in the performance in games for the use he makes of it, also in security.

Activate DHCP

Broadband routers assign Internet Protocol (IP) to devices through a protocol called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which in turn gives devices an address from a range of addresses. By always assigning the same IP address to the computer's MAC, we can open ports and review traffic comfortably without fear that it may be a different computer when restarting the devices.

UPnP

Enabling UPnP allows the router to automatically redirect ports when an application requests it. Many download and game services use this technology to facilitate setup. Having the ports properly redirected can dramatically increase network performance.

An interesting test to see if we have port problems is to temporarily activate DMZ towards the IP of our gaming equipment. This causes all inbound traffic that does not have a set rule to be redirected to that PC, eliminating the need to open ports.

If performance improves dramatically, we'll need to review the port the game is using, with software like the free CurrPorts, and redirect it. This is usually only necessary with very old games.

ATTENTION: As long as we have DMZ activated, our equipment is exposed to the internet without the added security of the router's firewall.

Enable prioritization of packages

This feature prioritizes packets with a certain destination device, as if it were a dedicated high-speed internet track assigned to that device. Check your router documentation to see if packet prioritization is available on your router model or you should opt for a high-end model.

Sometimes it is in the same section as QoS (quality of service), and allows us to easily prioritize the performance of the computer in which we are going to play against the rest that could be used for other tasks such as downloads or video.

Use WPA2-PSK AES encryption

WEP keys have serious security flaws that allow the access key to the network to be obtained in a matter of minutes. For this reason, even on a home network, it is highly recommended to use a more robust encryption system, such as WPA or, if possible, WPA2 ( which is not supported by versions of Windows XP prior to SP 2)

Also, the performance impact on modern network devices from using encryption key is really low.

Disable WPS (Wifi Protected Setup)

Even if we have a robust key, it is useless if our router sends it clearly to a possible attacker who guesses a simple combination. Although this comfortable technology allows us to add devices to our network by pressing a button, it is highly recommended to disable it on the router to avoid unwanted guests.

Modify the local IP

When starting an attack, most of the evildoers try it as a first attempt from IP 192.168.0.1, which is very logical, since it is the default configuration of the vast majority of routers. This is a fundamental change for the security of our connection. For example you can choose: 172.16.0.1 or 10.20.30.1.

Any IP in the following ranges other than network / broadcast:

10.0.0.0/8 IP addresses: 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 172.16.0.0/12 IP addresses: 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 192.168.0.0/16 IP addresses: 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

If your router doesn't allow a range other than 192.168.xx, it may be a good idea to at least vary the third number.

Set priorities and use wired connections

Decide which devices you want to have the highest performance, lowest latency as well as highest possible stability, and connect them with Category 5E or higher ethernet cable. With this you guarantee that it will have the minimum latency and that the distance or other people using wifi do not penalize you in performance.

In the case of very long cable runs, it may be advisable to upload one more category than is essential. Also, if the cable goes near the electrical installation it may be a good idea to use shielded cable, S / FTP.

Enable QoS

If we are the only ones using the network intensively, all the bandwidth is for us, and the latency on our part will be low. Otherwise, prioritization of packages can help if we only use a PC to play. But what happens in more complicated cases? Wouldn't it be nice if the traffic that needs it has priority at all times?

For this, one of the most relevant and useful functions that can be found in advanced routers is born. This technology, known as Quality of Service (QoS), allows a router to act as a traffic intermediary, guaranteeing good speeds for game or call traffic and giving less priority to less important traffic, such as downloads.

QoS prioritizes the most important data in real time over the least crucial flows. Without this, Windows updates are given the same priority as game data. On the other hand, with a gaming router that supports QoS, the game can take priority over other types of data, thus favoring the game.

This helps when other people on the network are consuming bandwidth, such as streaming videos or downloading game files.

As the advanced QoS services must analyze each package (see its size, sometimes its content…) it is impossible not to introduce a small delay. Therefore, if we are the only ones using the network or we have a very comfortable infrastructure, it may be interesting to disable it even if our router supports it.

Modify the default channels

Generally, a wireless router transmits data using one of the thirteen channels that are available (in 2.4Ghz). In case we use the default channel, it is possible that we will find a powerful saturation, since it may be that a large part of the users of our surroundings are in the same condition as us. The most advanced routers usually scan the channels with the least saturation on their own.

It may also be interesting to review which channel the networks around us broadcast, and look for the most liberated ones. Or directly, test at least two or three channels (other than the extreme ones) and verify the performance, for example, with a speed test.

Use the 5 GHz Wifi band

Every quality router to play or for streaming videos must have WiFi AC support. This wireless connection can be a great option in case you need multiple devices to maintain the highest speed, such as a console, a gaming PC and even two gaming laptops. Some of them could work by cable and others by WiFi AC. For example, the new Google Chromecast Ultra uses this band and the transfer with our TP-Link router is very good.

If we are forced to use the 2.4Ghz band because we are too far from the router, it is advisable to at least check that the channel bandwidth is at 40mhz .

Try not to use old protocols

All quality gaming routers must be compatible with the WiFi AC standard, although many still support slower, older protocols such as 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b . These protocols should be avoided, because they can slow down our entire network .

If we do not have an old device that requires them, it is sometimes advisable to force the use of the faster protocols (802.11ac and 802.11n) in the router's firmware.

The highest theoretical speed can only be achieved with the highest channel bandwidth (currently 80mhz for 433mbps on WiFi AC, 40mhz for 150mbps on WiFi N), although it sometimes penalizes the range slightly, so most Routers automatically choose the best channel bandwidth.

Sometimes it is interesting to force this option. For this we will change the channel bandwidth from 20/40 / 80Mhz (automatic selection) to 80Mhz in WiFi AC, and from 20/40 (automatic) to 40 in WiFi N, and we will test if it improves.

Wi-Fi settings

Find the “Wireless ” section in the options of the router configuration screen and click on it. In the general information in this section, you will see the “Enable Wireless” information. Deactivate it if you want to deactivate the wireless internet connection and let the connection only be available for devices connected via cable. If you want to change the name of the network (something always important to keep everything more accessible), look for the field " SSID ”And write the name you want. Before you leave this screen, don't forget to save your changes. Now it's time to set a password to protect your connection. This is normally available in the "Security" section, within the "Wireless" section. Doing so modifies the authentication type to “WPA” and in the password field (usually identified as “WPA Key” or “WPA passphrase”), type the password you chose.

In the type of encryption used, select the "AES" option. Once all this is done, save the configuration and you can now connect to the internet through a password protected wireless network .

Change the router access password

Another important security setting is to change the password to access the router. First, find the device settings (usually it's the "Management" or "Settings" section). There, click on "Access Control" and then type the username, old password and new password in the remaining two fields.

Ready, now, with the new password, the device is more secure. In this way, we reduce the danger posed by brute force attacks that can damage security, and of course the performance of our network if they gain access.

The right hardware to start

With the need for a stable, secure, low-latency connection, gamers defend the benefits of a wired connection. In the vast majority of cases, a CAT5e or CAT6 ethernet cable will be more stable and offer less interference than any other type of connection, be it WiFi AC or PLCs.

If this is not a possibility, PLCs generally offer limited bandwidth but good gaming latency at a relatively low price.

With a higher cost, and if the distance is not huge, AC networks are generally the best option.

How to achieve a latency reduction

When playing an online game, there are two main problems that can occur: lag (the game is slow to respond or stops) and poor performance. If you usually play a lot on the internet, it is very likely that you have already faced problems of lag and high latency. The information takes time to travel from your computer to the game server, and this results in delay.

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There is not much that can be done in case you are connected to a distant server, but it is possible to improve the network connection to have a better gaming experience. If the game crashes or has a low frame rate per second (FPS), the hardware used is probably not right.

However, it is possible to improve performance by changing some settings and minimizing background tasks.

Select the game servers that are closest to your region. Close any program that can use the internet band on the computer. Check if there are other devices on the network that may be using the internet band. Connect the computer or console to the router through an ethernet cable. Restart the router by removing the power cable for 30 seconds. Update your antivirus and run a scan on the computer. Activate the QoS protocol on the router (if possible). Buy a newer router (if necessary). Find a faster internet plan.

Increase FPS and performance

Make sure there is no other program running while you are playing. Update the dedicated graphics card drivers. Decrease the graphics settings of the game. Run an optimized version of drivers for the hardware. Disable the integrated graphics card. Read the discussions in the official forums of the games. Check for viruses and malware.

How to choose a gaming router

Wi-Fi standards: The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a router is the Wi-Fi standard you use. The current standard is 802.11 ac, which was ratified in 2014 and replaces 802.11 n (standard introduced in 2009).

MU-MIMO: This means that there can be multiple users, multiple input and multiple outputs. Whereas in 802.11 n MIMO it was limited to a single client, MU-MIMO can be used through four simultaneous clients. By this process, data transmission becomes more efficient, less bandwidth lost, and simultaneous transmissions can occur from multiple channels.

Wi-Fi speed: Within the 802.11 ac standard there are many speeds to choose from. They are based on the theoretical maximum speed combination of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, rounded as necessary.

Open Source Firmware: Like other technology devices, routers have their firmware embedded in their flash memory. When a router becomes vulnerable to attack, it is the manufacturer that patches the firmware. This is one of the arguments for having a router from a major manufacturer, so there will be firmware updates available while the router is still supported. When configuring most routers, the latest firmware will be checked and installed, providing the best and most secure experience.

Beamforming: This technology allows your router to focus on transmitting the data stream more directly to the client, instead of transmitting equally in all directions. This increases the signal strength to where it is needed, with less interference.

In short, the router identifies where each device is located and directly issues the information in that direction. With this a reduction of the rebound effect is achieved as well as improving the stability and quality of the signal. This favors when we are playing on devices that we have not been able to connect by cable.

Dual-core processor: It is an important aspect, since it is responsible for managing all the intensive tasks that make use of a wide bandwidth, that develop high levels of traffic and even require intensive network work. Although many tasks are hardware accelerated, some aspects such as QoS are very grateful for a powerful processor. A dual-core processor in a router promises more than enough performance, and we can already find routers with quad-core processors.

Gigabit ports: The transfer speeds of standard ports are 100 Mbps, while those of Gigabit ports are 1, 000 Mbps (1 Gbps).

Virtual Server (Port Opening): this function favors the safe opening of ports that are generally closed, but that we need to open in order to guarantee the correct operation of certain games or consoles. In case they are closed, it is normal that they do not work, or what they do incorrectly or erratically.

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play): This function is complemented by Virtual Server, since it is capable of automatically recognizing the programs / games that need port openings.

Protection against DoS (Denial of Service) attacks: This protection function is of vital importance, since it facilitates the blocking of intrusive network packets, thus preventing network disconnections.

Lately there are a considerable number of cheating players who use DDoS attacks to penalize their rivals, so any protection is welcome.

In the event that these attacks are habitual, it is advisable to notify the authorities, who together with the company that provides us with the internet can identify the person responsible.

Advanced security: WPA2 encryption is essential, as well as it is advisable to explore models that make it possible to set various configurations in a simple way, such as blacklists, which will help us to end possible intruders, as well as guest lists, which will give us the possibility of providing access to family and friends when they come with their laptops or consoles to play with us.

Recommended Gaming Router

Finally we leave you 5 of our favorite TP-Link routers for all budgets. From very high-end models to others that cover all our needs.

Archer C3200

TP-Link's new flagship, the AC3200, we will briefly have the review on our website. An all-rounder with two Wi-Fi connections at 5 GHz, and a third one at 2 GHz. The best we have analyzed on the website. Its price is 225 euros.

Archer C7

The high-end quality / price option offered by the company. We already did our review of the Archer C7 and it left a great taste in our mouths. AC1750 chip, Wi-Fi 802.11AC and two USB 2.0 ports to make multifunctions: storage and shared resources. Its price 100 euros.

Archer C59

Next up is the Archer C59 with dual AC1350 chipset, somewhat more modest but very interesting. 802.11AC Wi-Fi connection, 5GHz dual band, three Wi-Fi antennas, Wi-Fi connection and very interesting firmware. Its price 70.50 euros.

Archer C1200

One of the most modest versions and with a very competitive price of 59.90 euros. AC1200 chip and with three antennas. If you are looking for something cheap, this is one of the best options.

Archer C60

If you are on a budget, the Archer C60 has 5 antennas and a design in white will make you fall in love. 3 × 3 system, 802.11 AC connectivity and 5 GHz band. Ideal to replace your ISP router with something much better and without hangs. Its price 53 euros.

Where can I buy them? Currently, a section with the models we recommend is dedicated to both PCComponents and ComputerStore.

We recommend reading our best PC hardware and component guides:

Best routers on the market. How to configure movistar fiber optics with TP-Link Router. Best PLCs on the market.

What did you think of our guide on how to choose and configure a Gaming Router? As always, if you have any questions, you can leave them in our comments and we will resolve them as soon as possible.

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