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Outdoor 5G router necessary for gaming?

Joshdyt28

Casual Member
I’m thinking of signing up to Three 5G rather than the 20mbps VDSL that’s available at my property. I have both indoor and outdoor coverage according to the 5G map. I need to use the 5G for gaming though so require low and constant ping without any drops.

Three provide a free router (Zyxel NR5103EV2). It has 2 external antenna ports on the back of it (not sure if both are for 5G or one for 4G and one for 5G):
https://tinyurl.com/2b8h4sww

I’ve also been looking at an outdoor router (ZTE MC7010)

My question is, for gaming can I just install an outdoor antenna (don’t need more than a few metres of cable) or do I need to invest in an external router for something as consistent as a VDSL line?
 
@Joshdyt28 it's very very likely that currently no 5G connection will match your VDSL in terms of latency. I am assuming you are getting < 10ms pings on the VDSL.

I would say, use the VDSL for gaming and the 5G for bulkier stuff, like streaming or downloads.

Before buying anything, get a Smarty SIM and test in your smartphone, do some speed tests in various places in the house and at peak times especially. See what kind of signal you get (SRN, RSRP - the likes of Netmonster app can show those) and then we can talk about routers.

BTW, if you were thinking to signing up to a 5G broadband, you can find much cheaper online:

 
@Lucian I’m currently using (BT) VDSL 60mbps on the same housing development and usually get around 20ms ping. The place I'm moving to (other side of the development) I can only get guaranteed 20mbps though (TalkTalk - already signed up to test it for a month). Think it’s slower as further from the cabinet than my current property. TalkTalk I hear can provide decent ping though over other ISP’s. Was just concerned that 20mbps guarantee might turn into 10mbps which might become an issue even with a decent ping. Not lightly to pay for VDSL and 5G at the same time for different tasks.

I'm already actually with Smarty for my smartphone. Good shout I’ll test at peak time (7pm?). Thanks for the heads up on the unlimited sims!
 
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@Joshdyt28 copy that, then test and see what happens.
I'd also try EE via 1pmobile - they tend to be more stable and actually they've been sort of promoting themselves as best for mobile gaming.
 
@Lucian thanks. Doesn't look like they have an unlimited plan though. Only 200gb. Also do you know if 1pmobile has CGNAT issues when gaming? I hear Smarty does unfortunately that's why I was looking at Three
 
@Lucian thanks. Doesn't look like they have an unlimited plan though. Only 200gb. Also do you know if 1pmobile has CGNAT issues when gaming? I hear Smarty does unfortunately that's why I was looking at Three
Use 1pmobile just to test, get a Scancom EE sim if happy with it.

Yeah, cgnat is an issue.
 
@Lucian I've been using my TalkTalk VDSL line for 2 weeks now. Good consistent ping usually around 9ms (wifi). Although the speed- I was getting 30mbps for about a week and then the 2nd week it has consistently dropped to 15mbps. Any idea why this might be. Anything TalkTalk might have done to my service? They actually guarantee 19mbps or can cancel the service within the first month. Going to call them but wanted to check in here first. is this likely the service I'd get with other providers if I decided to change?

Also, Talktalk only sent a regular router. Would buying a wifi 6 router likely upgrade my gaming experience significantly?
 
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We have Three 5G and (slow but good ping) Voda VDSL. The Voda DSL is used for gaming and a few other things that need a good ping/latency, the 5G for all our TV and Netflix etc watching. The 5G is usable for gaming most of the time, but not great.

Also, Talktalk only sent a regular router. Would buying a wifi 6 router likely upgrade my gaming experience significantly?

Highly unlikely, unless you have a lot of devices connected at the same time, but try hardwiring (Ethernet) to you router and try some tests.
 
@autopilot if I was getting 30mbps but am now only getting 15mbps (guaranteed 20mbps), will changing providers likely get me any better speeds? Or is the service going to be the same whoever I go with?
 
@autopilot if I was getting 30mbps but am now only getting 15mbps (guaranteed 20mbps), will changing providers likely get me any better speeds? Or is the service going to be the same whoever I go with?
It looks like a poor line, so the dsl gear will drop speed to maintain a good integrity, it's likely other providers will have the same problem.

Perhaps get in touch with https://www.aa.net.uk/ - they are known to push openreach to fix stuff, who knows, maybe you get lucky.
 
@autopilot if I was getting 30mbps but am now only getting 15mbps (guaranteed 20mbps), will changing providers likely get me any better speeds? Or is the service going to be the same whoever I go with?

like lucian says, if it’s a line fault, the chances are that you will have the same issues as they are essentially using the same network.
 
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