An Internet Router Dilemma

[ghor7]

I built my 1st PC build about a week ago. It's mostly for gaming, so obviously a solid internet connection is a must, right?
I originally planned to have it plugged into a 42' LED TV so that I can make most of my games' graphic capabilities. My primary source for an Internet connection for the PC is a 150mbps USB network adapter, which works fine.. but the network speed is abysmal. A test at speedtest.net revealed the ping was 286, where my ping (when tested right next to the router, up a floor and on the other side of the house) is around 15.
Now, most of the router's signal is going outside the house because it's omnidirectional, but it's also right next to the modem and plugged into the main house PC (that I don't use.) What I'm wondering is, how can I connect my PC to the internet with the best possible speed, but also using the largest TV in the house? (Which is also unmoveable?) Otherwise, my only option is to use a smallish but portable 20' TV and connect both it and my PC a floor right below the router, which is fast Internet but also a small display.
My budget is rather limited, so I can't afford to buy 100 foot ethernet cables or drill holes into the floor. A wireless repeater may be a good option but still can be rather expensive.
Use this link to view a sophomoric MS paint floor plan of my 1st floor and basement.
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?9z9yr61xw5m9ey1

 

[RealBeast]

A wireless repeater would be my last option. Without regard to your budget the alternatives are Ethernet (but as you say no drilling so that's out, but cables are quite cheap), an 802.11ac router and media bridge (very $$, like $380), 2 MOCA adapters (one at your router and one at your gaming TV) that use existing in wall coax, and 2 powerline adapters (again one at router and one at gaming TV) but they can be hit or miss depending on your electrical wiring. The powerline adapters would be the cheapest alternative, but you would need to buy them where you can return them -- like Walmart if you live near one.

 

[ghor7]

A wireless repeater would be my last option. Without regard to your budget the alternatives are Ethernet (but as you say no drilling so that's out, but cables are quite cheap), an 802.11ac router and media bridge (very $$, like $380), 2 MOCA adapters (one at your router and one at your gaming TV) that use existing in wall coax, and 2 powerline adapters (again one at router and one at gaming TV) but they can be hit or miss depending on your electrical wiring. The powerline adapters would be the cheapest alternative, but you would need to buy them where you can return them -- like Walmart if you live near one.

Yeah, the ethernet option would produce the best internet speeds, but my residents also don't want wires running from the den (where the router is) to the kitchen, down the stairs and across the room to the TV. The repeaters would be kinda pricey and also would not be my most favored solution due to it being wireless, but then again, the speed downgrade wouldn't be super bad I suppose if i position it right.
Yeah, I live close to a Microcenter, which is imho the best place for me to really purchase anything networking related, and they have a terrific return policy. I'll just have to see if the powerline adapters would work with our current house wiring situation. Thank you for your response, I hadn't really considered powerline adapters yet.

 

[RealBeast]

I often use a pair of 200/500Mbps powerline adapters (and actually plan to get 20-40Mbps) to connect to a distant wireless AP to extend wireless networks and they work well if you are not trying to stream HD video. But latency may vary so you need to test them out for gaming, as it just depends. HERE is my go to site for powerline comparisons.

 

[ghor7]

I looked at that website, and the $73 ones might be pretty good. (it had the highest performance and cheapest cost) So you just plug in an adapter and connect it to the router, and do the same for my PC? And do adapters have to be the same company as my modem/router? (I'm using an Airport Express as the router.)

 

[RealBeast]

No, any brand is fine, best to use the same for each adapter but that is not even really required. And yes, as long as you don't get models with multiple Ethernet ports or wireless that will try to set up their own networks, the simple ones are plug and play.

 

[ghor7]

I bought an "Actiontec" 500mbps powerline adapter kit that came with two for 50$. I just plugged them in and my internet that used to be..

D/L Up/L Latency
1.52 Mb/s 1.13 Mb/s 282 ms

Changed to...
D/L Up/L Latency
22.00 Mb/s 3.81 Mb/s 9 ms

Thanks for the suggestion!
Major kudos.

 

[ghor7]

Best answer selected by ghor7.