Christmas gift idea: WiFi boost?

[Anonymous]

17 yo plays games online but would like less lag. Has fios internet.

What could be done to inprove connection?
-wire computer to router (or whatever internet arrives through lol)
-wireless mesh
-next level internet

Please share ideas/thiughts.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

What level of service do you have now? How old is the equipment that you have? How old is the device your teen is using? We have Fios, (75 mbps) a bunch of devices, and a cinderblock townhouse and zero problems. Our router is on the top floor. We’re going to go up to a gigabit connection because when I went to do the annual renegotiation for a better rate, they throw in a bunch of new stuff.

I have always found that the biggest improvements come when I get a new device. iPad laggy? New iPad works beautifully.

[Anonymous]

If you are in a dense area with lots of neighbor WiFi systems, then wired Ethernet might provide better performance. If you are in a rural area with few neighbors, that is unlikely to help.

[Anonymous]

A wired connection is always better than wireless, and this will be especially noticeable for gaming. You can get a low-voltage contractor to install network wiring in your house. Electricians can fish the wires, but you really want a low-voltage person who understands networking (which electricians generally don't). Install at least two runs to every location--it won't require much more labor than running one, plus you'll have a spare for backup and possible future expansion.