Need Help in Setting up a Low Latency Wireless/Mesh Network for Gaming

LNathan999 on 29/09/2022 - 17:38
Last edited 29/09/2022 - 17:43 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I've just fulfilled my wish to own a decent gaming PC. Dreamed of it since I was a kid.
Sorry I've posted this on Reddit as well so please ignore the Australia references.

I play mostly FIFA which is a game that needs a good connection and very low latency. My PC is in a room that I can't run an Ethernet cable to. My house is double-storey (so there's only 2 floors, no basement). My current setup:

A modem that is provided by the national company (NBN) of my country (Australia) so it can't be moved or be replaced.

A TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 router I just bought. Its 5GHZ is good but the 2.4GHZ is a travesty.
These devices are next to each others and are upstairs in the master bedroom.

There's also an old router my old ISP provided which I now use as an AP downstairs in the dining room. I plug the this one to the TP-link through a port.

I'm thinking about getting a mesh to replace the router downstairs, the main node will be wired to the TP-Link. The second node will be next to my PC and plugged in my PC. The main node in the dining room is about 20-25m away from my PC. I know I should run a cable If I want low latency but I can't.

And also, the coverage of the TP-Link router is not good enough upstairs so some of my family members have very bad internet. So I plan to place the third node near them.

This is my current plan but after reading through a lot of posts online, nearly everyone says Mesh is bad for gaming and especially bad if I want low latency.

What should I do? Will the latency be bad if the second node is 20-25m away from the main node which has Ethernet backhaul?

Lastly, what should I choose if I go mesh? The Deco X20 is very popular in Australia due to its price. But I noticed it's AX1800 and my router is AX3000. Will they be compatible or should I just go for a Deco X60?

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the long post. I want my gaming experience to be as good as possible since I've been wanting this for a long time.

Internet Wireless Router

Comments

  • AndyC1 on 29/09/2022 - 17:47

    I have a RE605X connected to the AX55. I got it as it had external antenna and based on past experience external antenna's work better than internal. I wanted to ensure the mesh worked as fast as possible.

  • kfp187 on 29/09/2022 - 18:14
    +1

    So just think wireless is gonna impact on latency. So always do wired where possible! Pay someone to install and run an Ethernet cable is $400… potentially the amount you’ll spend on mesh system powerline adapters etc.
    If that’s not an option. Get either powerline adapters and dual band won’t matter. If not, get tri band band and it won’t also drop your internet speeds also…

  • vince088 on 29/09/2022 - 21:14
    +1

    wired will always be better latency out of your connection

    eg:
    speed test Telstra my computer is wired to modem, 2ms
    speed test on my kids pc wifi from 2nd mesh, 7ms
    speed test on my kids pc wired from 2nd mesh 4ms

    i imagine if i can backhaul my 2nd node and wired that connect to my kids pc i will prob get 2-3ms same as my own pc

    • Nathan999 on 29/09/2022 - 21:59

      Hi, just wondering how far is it between them?
      The main and the 2nd.
      Thanks for ur reply

      • vince088 on 29/09/2022 - 22:58

        About 15-20M I rekon

        • Nathan999 on 29/09/2022 - 23:47

          I’d be very happy with 4ms.
          Mine will be 15-20m away as well.
          Think I might go for the Mesh then.
          What system do you use?

          Is your main node connected to the nbn box (modem) via a cable? And the second node is 15-20m away from them?
          Thanks again

          • vince088 on 30/09/2022 - 12:35

            @Nathan999: Tenda nova mw6

            Main node connected via ethernet to telstra smart gen 2 router via Bridge mode

  • kfp187 on 30/09/2022 - 06:55

    If you aren't going to use wired stuff then you have to get a triband mesh system….
    Otherwise Mesh that is dual band shares 5ghz band and speeds will halve in some cases….

  • Leo Getz on 30/09/2022 - 10:04

    The house is double story, the NBN NTD and TP Router are upstairs on the first floor, master bedroom.
    The room where the PC is, is on the ground floor.
    How do these rooms align vertically?
    Can you do a MS Paint house plan drawing showing where everything is.

    Why can't you, or someone certified, run copper between floors?
    Cablers can get cable through nearly anywhere and hide it inside walls, but conduit may be needed if there is no other pathway.

    What is the house made of?
    Do you own it?
    Have you asked RA/Landlord if you can run copper as a fixture of the house?

    • Nathan999 on 30/09/2022 - 18:46

      Hi!
      The master and the room I’m planning to put the PC in is opposite. So the NBN is on the left, but the other room is slightly right.

      Additionally, there’s an ethernet port not being used, it’s opposite to the ground floor room. So just imagine when you get out of the room, turn left, walk about 7-8 steps and the port will be on your right hand side at ankle level.
      Thanks for the reply

      • Leo Getz on 30/09/2022 - 22:08

        ok, bit confusing without diagram, but sounds like a fairly easy drop.
        Is that really an ethernet port?
        Maybe it is an old phone outlet?
        Maybe it is terminated at the NBN box?
        Best to get a cabler to check it out, often a sparky can do it, check out the ethernet port and/or drop copper down from the router to the pc room.
        I'm partial to Ubiquiti so would suggest a WAP on the first level and a WAP on the ground level.
        That could be 3 cable runs from the router ie. PC, Wap 1st floor+ WAP ground floor.
        Up to you, mesh is meshy, sorry for the pun.
        Cable is better but if you maybe start with the latest Ubiquiti Wifi 6 Wap latency won't be too bad, if your pc can take advantage of 4x4 on both frequency bands. Maybe just the Unifi6 Long-Range would suffice rather than mesh. My preference would still be copper though.

        • Nathan999 on 03/10/2022 - 16:50

          :( I’m getting quoted $700-$800 for the job
          Looks like I have to go mesh

          • Nathan999 on 03/10/2022 - 16:53

            @Nathan999: I saw this interesting task Running Ethernet Cable on Airtasker. Check it out

            Do you think this job is $800?
            Thanks Leo

            I need someone to do some ethernet cable run for me.
            The nbn box and router is upstairs in the master bedroom. I need to install an AP 20-25m from it. (For bedroom 3, 4, 5 on 1st floor)

            Furthermore, I want to install an Ethernet port to the bedroom downstairs (the one near the garage) (ground floor) to connect to my PC.
            So 2 in total.

            -
            Due date: Flexible
            https://assets-airtasker-com.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/messag…

            • Leo Getz on 04/10/2022 - 15:09

              @Nathan999: Nice home.
              I get it now, so Master and Bed 3/4/5 are on the same level, and Bed 6 on the ground floor.
              Is that correct?

              The ceiling space above first floor should be easy (5-minute job that turns into hours) to run cable along and get a WAP.
              My suggestion would be put it in the hallway near the cupboard or Bed 4 doorway.
              Other than that, a WAP in each bedroom but that may be considered overkill and 3 cable runs.
              Getting cable down to Bed 6 might be able to go down somewhere via the staircase wall.
              That is if the ground and 1st floor line up as they are on the plan.
              Other option is to come down into the cupboard of Bed 2, then outside and down the external wall and into Bed 6.

              Maybe go outside to get to Bed 6 from the master as that is where the NBN and Router are, depending on the exact location of those.

              Definitely doable and what may seem a simple job isn't.
              Use good quality cable like Molex and good fittings and wall plates.
              Shop around a bit more and maybe someone can recommend a good data cabler in your area.

              Hardware I would choose is Ubiquiti but there are so many options from other brands in the Pro-consumer bracket.
              If you just want to plug and play, then a mesh system might have to do it.
              Hard to guarantee connection speed and latency as you indicated was key to your gaming.
              Angle through walls, furniture, etc. from point to point and wall material can affect signal.

              Ethernet over Power might be a cheap option to try first up.
              Too many to choose from so pick something cheap, plug in, connect up and see how it goes.
              Some even have wireless hotspots built in.

              Good luck with it and hope your gaming goes well.

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