Choosing a gaming network adapter requires compatibility with the console and internet connection. Ethernet cables and USB adapters can solve connectivity issues, while gaming routers prioritize traffic for optimal online play. Some game titles may not support all Wi-Fi formats.
There are a few important factors that go into choosing the best gaming network adapter, but one of the most important things to do is make sure that the adapter is compatible with the system or systems that need to be connected. There are some gaming network adapters that claim to work with all internet-capable consoles, but that’s not always the case. Some consoles require proprietary hardware to establish a connection, and some require converting a broadband-connected computer into a Wi-Fi hot spot. The manuals included with most gaming systems contain a section on ways to set up a wireless or wired connection, but there are some general rules that can strengthen this connection and optimize online play.
Companies have been known to reduce manufacturing costs by removing wireless functionality from consoles. A gaming network adapter can often solve this problem, but connecting the system with an Ethernet cable to a wired router also often solves the problem. If a console capable of connecting to the Internet does not have an Ethernet port but does have a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an Ethernet to USB adapter is a potential solution for connecting the system to the router.
Some game titles, especially on wireless-enabled portable systems, do not support all Wi-Fi formats. Password-free wired equivalent privacy (WEP) (WEP) connections are supported across the board, but Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) wireless is sometimes incompatible. In these cases, you need to use a USB gaming network adapter that turns a personal computer (PC) into a non-WPA wireless point. This can also be a solution for homes or areas without wireless access, but it should be noted that most of these adapters will not allow you to connect more than three systems at any given time.
Even consoles and PCs that already have wireless capabilities can benefit from using a gaming router or connecting directly to a wired router. A gaming router can prioritize network traffic from gaming over other internet activity, and connecting a PC or console directly can speed up an internet connection. Most gaming routers are wired, so you rarely need to use a gaming network adapter of any kind with one. There are wireless gaming routers that can be used with adapters, but these often maintain a slower connection than a wired router.
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