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View Full Version : XBox 360 Wireless N adapter - anyone tried one? Does it improve connection on games?


Stevie G
11-04-2010, 14:16
I only just realised that a Draft N adapter had been released towards the end of last year (because of the thread mentioned in the Bargain forum).

I've always used the normal 11g wireless adapter but have struggled with lag on XBox live. I have read a number of times that Microsoft recommend connecting through ethernet if possible as wireless often doesn't give as good performance. I have tried to fix it using port forwarding but it's never made much of a difference, and I tend to find it's only really racing games where I have a chance of competing (as lag is less of a problem because there's little contact), and even with GTA I tended to end up sticking with the races.

Has anyone had similar lag problems and tried the Wireless N adapter? Has it resolved the problem? I'm hoping the faster wireless connection between the XBox and router means it makes better use of my broadband connection (Virgin, 20mb). My only other option will be to get a second identical router and use WDS to bridge them together and connect the XBox to that, but I'd rather avoid that if possible as it means a flashing router in the lounge (which my girlfriend would not be too impressed with!)

I'm just fed up of standing there shooting someone half a dozen times from close range but not kiling them for them to realise, turn round and kill me in one shot! I know I'm not the best player, but I'm definately not the worst, and I've had mates who played on mine and found the same!

internetuser
11-04-2010, 14:29
home plugs would work well..

what is the wireless strength like on your xbox ?

Stevie G
11-04-2010, 14:35
I used to used homeplugs in my old flat and use them to connect my Popcorn to my router, but it's from one side of the flat to the other and isn't very quick so presumably has a certain amount of noise on the circuit. Plus it takes much much long to transfer from the PCH to my desktop than it does to transfer to the PCH; not sure if that's down to the PCH's read write speed or the homeplugs.

The signal strength on the Xbox wireless is usually good to excellent. I know an N adapter will mean streaming video to the XBox would be better, but I never use it for that, so the sole reason for getting one would be to improving my XBox live connection speed.

Anthony.S
11-04-2010, 15:39
I doubt it would improve the lag. Wired is the way to go if at all possible as MS suggest.

Stevie G
12-04-2010, 07:16
Wired isn't an option for me at the moment. Rented flat so can't run cat cables properly and my girlfriend will not be impressed if I have then lying around the skirting board from on end of the flat to the other!

If a 11n connecton to the router wouldn't improve lag, would having it wired to another router that was bridged wirelessly making any difference?

Anthony.S
12-04-2010, 07:49
No. Wireless in any part of the link will increase lag compared to wired.
A couple of points from reading through again.
You do have an 'N' router?
There are different speeds for homeplugs. What type did you have before?

Stevie G
12-04-2010, 07:52
Yes, I have an N router (an Edimax BR6574n). The Homeplugs are Netgear HDX101 Homeplugs (up to 200mbs), not that they've achieved anywhere near that speed!

jackal792
12-04-2010, 08:16
I have the wireless N, I found G was better personally and provided more stable connection.

GAmbrose
12-04-2010, 14:13
The speed of most Routers is only 100mbs though, so those Homeplugs should be fast enough even if you only got 20% of that maximum speed.

paulmotion
12-04-2010, 18:30
I too am thinking about trading up from my current old wireless g adaptor to the new one with the double antenna thingy. Has anyone experienced a big difference?

jester
12-04-2010, 19:00
Wired isn't an option for me at the moment. Rented flat so can't run cat cables properly and my girlfriend will not be impressed if I have then lying around the skirting board from on end of the flat to the other!

If a 11n connecton to the router wouldn't improve lag, would having it wired to another router that was bridged wirelessly making any difference?

change the girlfriend ;)

Lag is probably down to your ISP rather than anything else.

Another word for lag is Latency, latency is caused by every device that you have adding to the processing time for each packet sent/received. You should have as few devices at your end as possible. Connect the 360 directly to your router using a cat5e or better cable to see if it makes a difference, if it does then ditch the GF and keep it wired.

Also check here ...

http://www.speedtest.net/

To see what your latency/speed is. Good luck as I know the pain of emptying a mag into a foe only to have them turn round and kill you :(

Also some people who host games use a lag switch cable. :nono: