Router settings for gaming

[slick8]

are there any specific settings I should be aware of for setting up a router used for gaming?

 

[Pugs_KDC]

not really unless it does QOS and you want your pc tpo have priority over the conenction above other users... tho I have a QOS modem router and have never had to worry about this..

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

If you want to "host" games.....you usually have to setup your "server" on a static LAN IP, and then do some port forwarding on the routers NAT firewall to allow the ports/services for the game server to be available on the internet, so players out on the internet can connect to you.

When you're playing as a client, usually no ports are needed to play online..as NAT routers generally allow all traffic out just fine. Some games though, especially XBox live 'n stuff, may give some "strict NAT" errors with some routers, and this usually goes away by flipping on the "UPnP" feature that many routers have. Games that support UPnP will be able to utilize this service of the OS...and "control" the router to flip open the ports necessary, as needed.

Many newer routers have a "QoS" feature, as mentioned above. This helps if you're sharing your network with others...as you can manipulate settings in the QoS to tell it what type of traffic to prioritize, and what type of traffic to de-prioritize. So that..say, someone else on your network is surfing heavily, normally that might cause brief periods of lag while you're gaming...as their browser freshes and loads new pages. Or someone is doing downloads. If you setup QoS correctly...traffic caused by others will not impact you as much, and you won't experience as much lag. If you're the only person on your network...this really doesn't come into play, as you'd be the only person causing traffic. If there is no other traffic on your network for your gaming packets to compete against..QoS doesn't come into play. The effectiveness of this varies from router to router.

 

[medusakeith]

QoS would help you to gain the optimum bandwidth, but DrayTek create a latest NAT session technology which helps to gain the maximum sessions at WAN...Try Vigor 2130 or 2110 which owns the NAT acceleration engine designs