When we talk about online gaming, then most people focus on having a high-speed internet connection and a powerful gaming setup; however, one key factor that is usually overlooked in online gaming is the WiFi router. Your WiFi router is the gateway between your gaming device and the internet, and it is as important as a fast internet connection and powerful gaming hardware.
Most people usually don’t change the default settings of the router, but know that the default settings aren’t tailored for online gaming; they are meant for casual internet use. Every WiFi router has hidden settings within its admin panel that can improve the online gaming experience. Let us discuss the hidden settings in WiFi routers that affect gaming and how you can adjust them to gain a competitive edge in online gaming.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service or QoS is a feature that many people are unaware of, and it is a game changer for online gaming. With the help of the QoS feature, you can prioritize internet traffic for specific applications, traffic types, or devices on the network. Through the QoS feature, you can give your gaming device or app priority over other types of traffic on the network so that the gaming packets are not delayed and you can get the best performance.
You can find the QoS feature in the admin panel of your WiFi router under the Advanced tab. From there, you can prioritize your gaming device by MAC address or IP address. Some routers have pre-set profiles like Gaming or Streaming that you can choose accordingly.
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
UPnP is a hidden feature in Wi-Fi routers through which your devices on your network can discover each other and establish functional network services automatically. For gamers, this allows for smooth connections and fewer NAT-related issues. This feature reduces matchmaking errors and lag, and helps in establishing direct connections in multiplayer games.
This feature is accessible through the router’s settings, and you just have to enable it from the admin panel. Keep in mind that this feature may pose some security risks, and you need to have robust security measures in place to avoid any mishaps.
Port Forwarding
Some online games like Fortnite, CS: GO, FIFA, etc., require specific ports on the network to be opened. With the port forwarding feature, you can manually open specific ports on the network required by online games so that you can have an optimum gaming experience. By opening ports on the network, you enhance the communication between your device and game servers and eliminate NAT-type issues.
To use this feature, search online for your game’s required ports, access the Port Forwarding settings through the router’s default IP address i.e. http://192.168.0.1/, and enter the required ports along with the IP address of your gaming device.
Optimizing the settings of the WiFi router through http://192.168.1.1 can significantly enhance your online gaming experience.
NAT Type
Network Address Translation (NAT) controls how your WiFi router handles incoming traffic. Gaming consoles and devices categorize NAT types as Open, Moderate, and Strict. For online gaming, Open NAT settings are considered the best, while Moderate and Strict NAT can lead to issues like joining lobbies, slower matchmaking, and frequent disconnections while playing.
Dual Band Settings
Most modern routers nowadays come with dual-band support: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band comes with a better range but more interference and comparatively slower speeds. The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, is faster, and less prone to interference, but has a shorter range.
For online gaming, using the 5 GHz band if your gaming device is close to the router is the best choice. Some routers come with a more advanced setting called band steering that automatically moves devices to the optimal band based on performance needs.
Related: Fortnite Controller Review
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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