Who these routes suit

Gamers with a fixed upstairs setup

If your console or PC stays in one room, a continuous cable route may let you avoid the device’s in-home Wi-Fi hop. The installation still needs to be practical for your home.

Gamers who can cable partway

If Ethernet can reach an upstairs mesh node or access point but not every device, check whether that equipment supports the wiring and operating mode you intend to use.

Households avoiding a new cable run

If a permanent run is unsuitable, better wireless placement or a powerline kit may be worth considering. Neither should be treated as a guaranteed fix for gaming latency or packet loss.

What matters when choosing a network path

For an upstairs console or PC, choose the path you can install and test before deciding whether a new router is needed.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
A practical wired path Check for a safe cable route, a spare router LAN port and an Ethernet port on the gaming device. Inspect the cable and connectors before replacing hardware. If my console stays in one upstairs room, I want to avoid its Wi-Fi hop without making the cable run impractical; around 36% of consumers put a workable wired path first.
Ethernet partway upstairs Confirm Ethernet-backhaul support and the selected system’s wiring rules. In access-point mode, check which router will assign IP addresses. I can get a cable to an upstairs node, but not to every gaming device, so local connection options matter more to me; around 29% of consumers prioritise this partial-cable route.
Wireless placement Check where a compatible node could sit relative to the router and gaming room, including intervening walls and floors. Running new cable is not acceptable in my home, and I need a more useful position for the upstairs connection; around 21% of consumers make wireless placement their main concern.
Powerline suitability Check adapter-standard compatibility and whether the intended wall outlets can be tested on the same electrical circuit. TP-Link’s setup guidance specifies wall outlets rather than power strips. I need to avoid a long data-cable run and can assess the kit in the rooms where it would be used; around 14% of consumers put a testable powerline route first.

Buying pitfalls

  • Reading a powerline headline rate as an upstairs result

    TP-Link says actual powerline throughput and range vary with electrical and network conditions, so the stated rate does not establish how the link will behave in your home.

    Check that the adapters use compatible standards, then assess them in the intended wall outlets during normal household use.

  • Buying a satellite for the wrong mesh system

    NETGEAR states that Orbi add-on satellites require a compatible Orbi router or system; an add-on should not be assumed to work as a stand-alone extender.

    Identify your existing system’s model and check the manufacturer’s compatibility guidance before choosing a satellite.

  • Replacing the router before locating the fault

    A new router cannot promise to fix latency or packet loss arising from the broadband service or another part of the connection outside the home.

    Where possible, compare the gaming device on a sound wired connection, note when problems occur and check for competing household activity or a reported service issue.

  • Overlooking access-point power requirements

    Ubiquiti advises checking the Power over Ethernet standard and power requirements of the exact access point rather than assuming any PoE source will work.

    Check its datasheet and whether the required power source is included.

    A compatible injector or PoE switch, an Ethernet run and installation materials may also be needed.

Relevant brands to consider

TP-Link

Relevant when comparing Deco mesh with Ethernet backhaul or access-point mode, as well as selected powerline products.

  • TP-Link’s Deco guidance explains Ethernet-backhaul wiring and the different requirements of router and access-point modes.
  • Its powerline guidance says actual throughput and range vary with conditions. Check adapter standards too: G.hn and HomePlug AV/AV2 are not interchangeable.

NETGEAR

Relevant when considering an Orbi system or an add-on satellite for an existing Orbi setup.

  • NETGEAR describes wired-backhaul and wireless-backhaul options within its Orbi range.
  • An Orbi satellite must be compatible with the router or system it joins; published coverage and speed figures do not establish gaming performance in a particular room.

Ubiquiti

Relevant if you can install a dedicated UniFi access point with an Ethernet uplink rather than use a mesh kit.

  • The UniFi range includes access points intended for Ethernet-connected installations.
  • Check the selected model’s PoE requirements and power source; installation may involve additional equipment.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Can I connect an Xbox or PlayStation by Ethernet?

Yes, Xbox Support and PlayStation Support both describe wired console connections using a network or LAN cable. Before buying a cable or switch, check the ports on your particular console and router, and make sure the cable and connectors are sound.

Can I keep my existing router and add mesh upstairs?

Yes, if the chosen mesh system supports the intended access-point setup. In TP-Link’s Deco access-point guidance, the existing router must continue assigning IP addresses through DHCP; some Deco app features, including port forwarding and parental controls, are unavailable in that mode.

Are wall sockets enough to make powerline suitable for gaming?

No: the outlets and electrical path still matter. TP-Link’s cited setup guidance calls for adapters on the same electrical circuit and in wall outlets rather than power strips, while its product guidance says actual throughput and range can vary. Assess the connection in the intended rooms rather than relying on the advertised rate.

Will a new router eliminate high ping or packet loss?

No, replacing a router cannot guarantee that result. A change to the in-home Wi-Fi path may address a local connection problem, but Ofcom notes that broadband performance varies by package and technology. Compare with a sound wired connection where possible and check for wider service issues before buying.

What should I check when buying mains-powered networking equipment?

Check that the particular product has documentation and a power arrangement suitable for where it will be used. GOV.UK’s guidance on the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 covers equipment placed on the market in Great Britain; Northern Ireland has different applicable rules. A product’s suitability cannot be inferred from a different region’s plug or listing alone.