Wired Home Network.

[Jokke]

Hi!

At my house we have a wireless home network. I have ok download speeds, but my signal is fairly weak, and gaming over the internet lags a lot. I was wondering if it's possible to run a cable from the router to my computer, and then have faster speeds? If this is faster, will a CAT5 cable be sufficient (from the router to my computer) or do I need some sort of switch or hub? Also, how will cable length affect signal strength/speed?

[Snarkasm]

Yep, running a cable from the router to your computer will significantly improve your latency and lag. Cat5 is fine, Cat5e is better. No switch or hub; length should be insignificant if it's under something like 300 feet.

[Hawk]

I've got Cat5 from my outside phone box>approx 35' to the wall in my living room.
The modem is setting on desk within 3-4' of the wall plugin> Ethernet cable to wall.
The router sets next to the modem and has a 3' Ethernet cable from router to modem.
Then I have 4 pc Ethernet plugs on the router.
1st pc sets on same desk as router & modem> 3' Ethernet cable.
2nd pc is approx 6-7' away from router> 8' Ethernet cable.
3rd & 4th pc's are in my office 20-25' away from router> two 30' Cat5 cables.
I have DSL 6.0
All pc's get the same speed when tested.
No lag when watching online TV shows on 3 pc's at once and running 4th pc downloads.
I ran all the cable myself.
I use my wireless on my laptop > 5 bars/ excellent conection.
But it is still much slower then when it's hooked up to the Ethernet cable.

[Jokke]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

[Nate_LapT]

so you are aware, the 4 ports on the router is a switch, cat5/cat5e are the standards unless you are running a 1gb network which cat5e or cat6 would be needed.

on the wireless side, log into the router and try changing the channel you are running it on, possibly channel 6 or 1 will be more open in your area,
or you could just have a case of poor signal for your house, either being upstairs too far away, or your walls are just too many/brick ect.

as for speeds, wired will always be faster for computer to computer, internet wise you wont notice a difference, but you said you have a poor signal so you WILL notice a difference if the router is having to resend the data multiple times just to get it to you.