In Preparation for Super Smash Bros for Wii U... [Online]

[κomıc]

I'm not entirely sure if this is exactly appropriate as I don't want to sound like a connection Nazi but I feel like giving out some pointers to people who plan on spending a huge amount of time playing online when the Wii U version of Smash Bros drops. You can look at this as a simple guide of some sorts. I posted this on another website and I'm now sharing it with folks on Smashboards as it would probably reach more people. Please use this guide if you want a "good" experience playing Smash Bros for Wii U online. This is the preferred and optimal way to play the game. So, if you really want to, you can prepare yourself when the game launches.

----------------
This post is essentially a PSA about playing online the right way on Wii U. So, let's get down to it.

Wii Us don't come equipped with a built-in ethernet port. So, if you want to connect your console to a modem, you're going to have to buy an Ethernet Adapter. You could spend $30 on one, but there are other comparable options for cheap! Does $12 sound good to you?

I am currently using this Lan Adapter on my Wii U

Keep in mind, this uses two USB ports. The Wii U has 4 ports. All of them are taken up at the moment (I have a 750GB portable drive plugged in). So, what to do? Grab a USB hub. For about $5-$10, you can get one off.. Yeah, Amazon! I'm using this one: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-USB-2-0-4-Port-Ultra-Mini/dp/B000Q8UAWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413342517&sr=8-1&keywords=belkin usb hub

So far, if you have ordered these two items you have spent $20. Well, what if your router isn't in the same room as your Wii U? What if it is even on a totally different floor? Don't worry, I got you covered.

Ever heard of Homeplugs? They're truly magical.

Basically, plugging one of these adapters into a wall outlet next to the router with an ethernet cable plugged into one of the ports will provide you with a genuine LAN connection to your Wii U. Plug the second Homeplug adapter to a wall outlet in the same room that your console is located at and connect the ethernet cable into the LAN Adapter port- there you go. You get a genuine wired connection!

This is how Homeplugs work (pertaining to gaming in this case):
HomePlug technologies let you use the electrical wiring already in your home as an Ethernet extension, so you get a high-speed wired connection without running new wires. For mobile gaming, consider a HomePlug certified product with Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Range Extender) to use your electrical wiring to extend Wi-Fi coverage. Simply connect one adapter to your router, and the other wherever you want to start gaming.

There are some things to keep in mind about Homeplugs, however...

- Homeplugs may be susceptible to noise. In other words, if you have too many things hooked up in your home, this may impact your connection. It is receommended you unplug chargers and other devices not in use. How common of a problem is this?

Pretty much hardly. Personally, I haven't had a dropped connection using my Homeplugs. I have 3 adapters. One in my brother's room connected to the modem, and two others in my room- one to my computer and the other connected to my Wii U (and PS4 if I switch between the two).

-Old homes with bad wiring

This may be a case by case issue. Here's the official statement by Homeplug Alliance "As long as your home has electricity, there is a high degree of confidence that the new breed of HomePlug Certified powerline adapters will connect and communicate through your home, even when devices are connected on different circuits."
If you'd like to read up on Homeplugs, please visit http://homeplugalliance.org

Which Homeplugs am I using?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWRUICG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are one of the most reliable brands. And trust me, if you're in a situation where your modem/router is far away but want to enjoy a GREAT connection, then you should definitely get a homeplug.

Let me say this: Destiny is about 20GB to download on PS4. My highest internet speed is 55mbps Down (12up). I downloaded Destiny within or under 2 hours plus any other additional data that may have come along. This adapter acts like a genuine lan connection. It works. I've been using it for almost a year now. No issues.

Now, if you haven't been totally sold on this, then at least do yourself a favor and do a genuine speed test. You can use Ookla and other services but I would highly recommend you use http://testmy.net

Flashbased Internet tests aren't always reliable or accurate. You can also even use http://testmy.net on Wii U's internet browser.


If you have any other questions, I'll try my best to answer. Once again, most information on Homeplugs can be found at http://homeplugalliance.org

Thanks for reading!

 

[G_Shaw22]

Good Read, Thanks.

 

[κomıc]

No problem... But it looks like this is falling on DEAF ears. I guess people want to play on Wi-Fi and complain about connection issues *shrug*

 

[Pazzo.]

This is great! I wish I could get a wired connection, but it's just not possible for me. I'll use my sometimes-fast-WiFi... so just as long as nobody's using the microwave, I'll be fine.

 

[κomıc]

This is great! I wish I could get a wired connection, but it's just not possible for me. I'll use my sometimes-fast-WiFi... so just as long as nobody's using the microwave, I'll be fine.

Homeplugs are a god send. It is REALLY easy to set up. If you can, check it out and see how it works. No worries about Microwaves :D

 

[Ultrashroomz]

Is it possible to use homeplugs to plug in more than one device into my router? In my scenario, my router is upstairs, and along with my Wii U which is downstairs, I also have a 2nd computer downstairs that I also want to plug in.

 

[wmo_]

Powerline is an alternative if you're having WiFi issues, but overall it's not recommended. The bandwidth is questionable and you can have additional lag and jitter. I always hear of people with a higher ping on Powerline. Wireless can be iffy depending on your house/apartment, but overall if you're going to spend the money on Powerline equipment you might as well spend the money on a good wireless router instead, and a repeater if there's issues.

If you want to see if your wireless is an issue, take a laptop to where you'd play your 3DS or Wii U. bring up command prompt (start>run>type 'cmd') and type 'ipconfig'. you should have a default gateway, something similar to 192.168.1.1. Ping it, so type in 'ping' plus the default gateway ("ping 192.168.1.1"). your latency should be around 1ms if you're close with a good connection. Unless you're seeing high numbers like 20ms or more when you ping your default gateway, your wireless connection is fine. Yes LAN is better but powerline adapters aren't LAN. tons of reviews mention additional latency compared to their wireless connection.

 

[κomıc]

Powerline is an alternative if you're having WiFi issues, but overall it's not recommended. The bandwidth is questionable and you can have additional lag and jitter. I always hear of people with a higher ping on Powerline. Wireless can be iffy depending on your house/apartment, but overall if you're going to spend the money on Powerline equipment you might as well spend the money on a good wireless router instead, and a repeater if there's issues.

If you want to see if your wireless is an issue, take a laptop to where you'd play your 3DS or Wii U. bring up command prompt (start>run>type 'cmd') and type 'ipconfig'. you should have a default gateway, something similar to 192.168.1.1. Ping it, so type in 'ping' plus the default gateway ("ping 192.168.1.1"). your latency should be around 1ms if you're close with a good connection. Unless you're seeing high numbers like 20ms or more when you ping your default gateway, your wireless connection is fine. Yes LAN is better but powerline adapters aren't LAN. tons of reviews mention additional latency compared to their wireless connection.

While it is a case by case basis, powerline suffer from this normally due to old/bad wiring and if other things are plugged in around the house such as chargers.

From a personal stand point, I'd go with using power line vs Wireless for gaming when available. I've had this homeplug for a year with zero issues and no noticeable lag during online play.

 

[κomıc]

Is it possible to use homeplugs to plug in more than one device into my router? In my scenario, my router is upstairs, and along with my Wii U which is downstairs, I also have a 2nd computer downstairs that I also want to plug in.

Yes. So, basically you would need 3 normal adapters. Plug one to the router and the other two to the devices you want to use. I have my Wii U sharing one with my PS4 and one specifically for the computer in the same room.

By the way, the DL speeds are fantastic. For comparission, PS4 is known to have a terrible wireless connection and some people with speeds on par with my ISP have reported that games take long to download as little as 1GB. For reference, my PS4 downloaded Destiny in completion under 4 hours for a game nearly 40GB. Wii U downloaded Smash for Wii U in under 2 hours and that is 14GB.

Again, as stated, this varies on your data speeds, housing and wiring. I live in an Apt too.