Dead WiFi zones and poor signal coverage are quite common issues, especially if you rely on a wireless internet connection in a large home or a multi-story building. However, Mesh WiFi can provide an adequate and effective solution to the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But is a mesh network good for gaming? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mesh networks leverage nodes and satellites to offer spotless coverage, allowing you to enjoy casual gaming online at decent pings below 100ms. They are ideal for large spaces and multi-story buildings and can blanket up to 10,000 sq. feet in coverage area. However, they are not the best for competitive gaming, like online-only esports tournaments, where the stakes are typically higher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it\u2019s important to note that while a mesh WiFi system excels in many aspects, it doesn’t replicate the performance of a wired raw Ethernet connection. The latter remains superior in performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having the right internet speed and low latency (ping) is crucial for a smooth and frustration-free gaming experience when playing games online. Let’s dive into what you must know to keep those<\/em> game sessions lag-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal internet speed for playing games online can vary depending on the types of games you are into. Anything 20 Mbps or higher is considered good enough to play multiplayer games online<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, the average internet speed in most countries is well above the minimum required threshold, even exceeding 100 Mbps in some regions. For example, internet users in the United States enjoy connections with median speeds hovering around 200 Mbps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ping or latency is equally vital as speed, especially for online gaming. Lower ping values indicate less delay between your actions and the server’s response. Here are the ideal ping requirements for different types of online gaming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your ping goes above 100 ms, you might experience noticeable lag and delays. This is not ideal if you play online games with friends or compete with other players in real matches or online-only local tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online gaming demands a reliable internet connection with good speed and low latency. Thankfully, a high-quality mesh WiFi system can meet these requirements seamlessly. Let’s understand how mesh WiFi works and why it’s perfect for deploying in multi-story buildings or large homes where WiFi coverage might be an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mesh WiFi system consists of a primary node and multiple secondary nodes (or satellites) strategically placed throughout your home. These nodes communicate with each other to create a network that covers every area of the building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When your gaming device connects to the network, it automatically seeks the node with the strongest signal. This dynamic routing helps minimize lag and provides a stable gaming experience, even in multi-story buildings with complex layouts or wall designs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, all nodes in the mesh network share the same SSID (network name). This means your devices can seamlessly switch between nodes as you move around, ensuring a consistent connection throughout your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note mesh WiFi systems are designed to utilize multiple frequency bands. Depending on your load requirements and budget, you can get a dual or a tri-band mesh WiFi system. The multiple frequency operations add even more versatility, allowing devices to select the band that offers optimal performance.This adaptability minimizes latency, a critical factor for online gaming, particularly in large, complex spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While mesh WiFi systems offer fantastic coverage and convenience for most online gaming scenarios, they are not the best for competitive gaming or online-only esports tournaments like the PUBG Continental Series, Hearthstone World Championship, or Pokemon Players Cup. These fast-paced environments demand low ping (usually below 20 ms), which may not always be possible to achieve with a mesh WiFi system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Powerline adapters are best for such scenarios if you can\u2019t use your original wired connection to play games online. They use your home’s electrical wiring to connect wired networks. We are big fans of the Netgear Powerline 2000 adapter<\/a>. It ensures blazing-fast speed, low latency, and a stable internet connection thanks to the inbuilt Broadcom BCM60500 chipset.<\/p>\n\n\nIdeal Internet Speed and Ping for Playing Games Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Internet Speed for Multiplayer Games<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Ping for Online Gaming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Using Mesh WiFi for Online Gaming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Mesh WiFi Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here is the summary of the benefits of using a mesh WiFi system for online gaming in large homes:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When Mesh WiFi May Not Be the Best Option for Online Gaming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n