Should i pick a mesh wifi system or a single router for 4k gaming?

[RonaldM]

I’m trying to set up a home network that can handle a lot of 4K streaming and gaming at the same time without lag. My current router just can’t keep up, and I’m wondering if a mesh Wi-Fi system would actually solve my problem or if I should just get a single more powerful router instead.

[Nicholas.T]

I tried a mesh setup in a two story house with a couple of big 4K TVs and a gaming PC. It helped some, but the basement still got flaky when everyone started streaming and downloading at once.

[Scott_H]

On the other hand I replaced everything with a single high powered router and wired backhaul to a switch for the rest. After that the gaming PC and a couple consoles stayed steady while 4K streams stayed smooth.

[HarperEH]

Do you think the real issue is the internet plan or the hardware?

[Justin.L]

I also did a quick test: started a big game update while a match was in progress and saw the ping jitter into the 40s, then settled back, which made me doubt whether the bottleneck was wireless or software scheduling.