Latency, Gaming, and Wireless Internet

[HerbalTylenol]

Hey guys,

Before I get started, just wanted to say that I'm currently using a D-link DI-524 router, with a DWL- G510 PCI card adapter in my computer, which we'll call my Upstairs computer.

The direct ethernet line is to my Downstairs computer.

Now, I get a lot of latency in games. I usually play World of Warcraft, and I mainly arena, where timing is extremely crucial. Even in raids, if I'm tanking, and I get lag, it ruins it for everyone.

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, play on EST servers. I get between 200-400 ms on average. Sometimes, I lag for 2-10s and I jump to 2000 or more latency. Many times (at least twice a day now) I get 10s delays and I just disconnect. It's getting very bad.

I'm looking for a replacement to my setup. I currently have 3 things in mind:

1) Get a new router. Looking at D-Link DGL-4500 Xtreme N Gaming router. Somewhat expensive, looks pretty good from reviews (not perfect). However, the Linksys WRT54 looks to be the best seller on Newegg and much, much cheaper. Which of these would cause the lowest latency (less lag) in games? That's mainly all I'm concerned about. Don't care about security/storage, I'm set for all that. If there's a better router anyone can recommend, I'll gladly consider those as well.

I am concerned that maybe it is wireless in general causing problems with lag. I know wireless is less efficient and will generally cause lag, but I mean 200-400 ms? And I'm playing on the EST servers too, not a server on the opposite coast. Does wireless cause this much lag and the 10s delays?

2) Use a powerline adapter. I'm looking at Linksys PLK 200 Powerline adapters and the D-Link DHP-301 adapters. Are powerline adapters good? Would they cut my latency/lag a lot and the delays, seeing how this is very similar to hard wiring? Are there better powerline adapters? Or should I just avoid these all together?

3) Do nothing. Are my router/network card fine? Is it just regular wireless latency causing this? I can pretty much tell you that I will not be able to rewire my house to get a line running to my Upstairs computer. It seems way too hard, and it may cost a lot to hire someone to do it. Try avoid advising this unless you can think of a much easier way

All I want is a stable connection, but mainly, reduced lag. I'll try any solution. I have noticed that my Dell Vostro 1500 does not disconnect much, if at all from my network. In fact, I can't remember the last time it even disconnected.

Thanks a lot guys, I would really appreciate any help I can get. Also, please don't make this one of those 100 views no reply threads If you can't help me or give any advice, then at least point me to the right forum/different site to ask on? I would greatly appreciate it.

PS: There are walls and shit between my Upstairs and Downstairs computers. The Upstairs is on 1 side of the house, while the Downstairs is on the other side.

 

[Nuwave]

With your upstairs computer are you disconnecting from just WoW, or dropping off your wireless network?

 

[BassBomb]

What ISP?

Cogeco 10megabit and I never lag in WoW (wired though)

 

[Pulsar]

#1 Confirm that it is not your internet connection itself. Take your computer downstairs, hook it up directly and try it out for a week or two.

Go from there. We can't diagnose the problem or recommend you replace your network until we know if the problem is at your end or your ISP's.

 

[Sauro]

I agree with what Pulsar said, but I am more than inclined to believe it is your wireless setup causing the problems. Wireless and gaming just don't go together. Are you sure there is no way to get a drop run to your upstairs computer? Cat5 is good up until ~270 ft and it isn't real expensive. Hook it up downstairs and see what you get then.

 

[HerbalTylenol]

Thanks for all the posts guys! I'll try and fill you in with the requested info.

Originally posted by: Nuwave
With your upstairs computer are you disconnecting from just WoW, or dropping off your wireless network?

Usually I lag for 8-10s, and after the first or 2nd time, my internet also disconnects. It's happening in a few games now. If I play Starcraft or Warcraft 3, I get small 3-5s delays, usually don't disconnect till about 30-40min into a game. If I host a game, everyone else gets a 3-5s delay, which sucks

Originally posted by: BassBomb
What ISP?

Cogeco 10megabit and I never lag in WoW (wired though)

I use Rogers Cogeco is pretty nice, I had it on campus at my University...but I live in Markham, which is in the GTA, and pretty much all we have is Rogers and Bell, and both equally suck. If you know any good ones, let me know.

Originally posted by: Pulsar
#1 Confirm that it is not your internet connection itself. Take your computer downstairs, hook it up directly and try it out for a week or two.

Go from there. We can't diagnose the problem or recommend you replace your network until we know if the problem is at your end or your ISP's.

My downstairs computer never disconnects. I tested my laptop I have, and connected it to the internet I have downstairs, and it never disconnected either. However, the wireless sometimes disconnects, like once a week or so, and I'm pretty sure it's just because of weak signal strength. I don't play any games on my laptop though, not enough specs on it.

Hope that helps, but later today after I get back from work, I'll connect my computer downstairs and test it there.

Originally posted by: Sauro
I agree with what Pulsar said, but I am more than inclined to believe it is your wireless setup causing the problems. Wireless and gaming just don't go together. Are you sure there is no way to get a drop run to your upstairs computer? Cat5 is good up until ~270 ft and it isn't real expensive. Hook it up downstairs and see what you get then.

It's not the price I'm concerned about, but rather, the installation process. I'm looking into my ISP installing a line from the source to my upstairs computer, but running an ethernet cable to my router downstairs will be very messy. The cable would be running down the stairs, through the main entrance-ish area, the halls, and then finally to the room with the computer. It'll be very apparent. And running it under the carpet will be way too much work, while having a cable stick through the carpet.

However, what if I ask my ISP to reconnect my house by running a cable to my upstairs computer and using a router up there with a direct line, and then making my downstairs computer wireless? The downstairs computer is only for my office work and other important things I do, and the upstairs is for gaming.

I don't think I can run a cable through the window outside the house either. The downstairs computer has a patio for outdoor access nearby. And leaving the patio door and a window open all the time doesn't seem practical. It might be though, maybe I'm wrong.


Thanks a lot for the help guys, I appreciate any more advice you guys can give.

 

[Sauro]

So you have a direct ethernet feed into your house? I'm not quite sure I understand how that works. There really has to be a modem somewhere providing that line with a connection. I looked up Roger's internet and it seems that it is in-fact over cable. Why now just do what you suggested and hook the modem upstairs and allow the downstairs to be wireless? That is unless there are no cable drops upstairs, but a little handywork could fix that. Do you know if it is fed through the attic - if you have one, or elsewhere?

 

[drebo]

He probably doesn't have a phone line/cable drop in the room where his "gaming" computer is, and therefore cannot simply do that. He would need to contract his cable company/phone company/an independent cabler to bring another drop in.

However, what the OP is experiencing is par for the course as far as wireless goes. It's unpredictable at best, unusable at worst. Upgrading to N may or may not help you, but as far as I'm concerned, it's too expensive to bother trying. You could find an independent cabling contractor to run a cable for you for less than upgrading your router and wireless adapter.