My wireless connection is awful across devices, and even the Rogers reps said I should be doing better...

[exodasius]

Hey guys, long time since I've posted here.
So my problem is that the wireless networking in my house is awful, and it's not a problem on the company (Rogers) end, it's a problem somewhere on my end. I'm using the SMC-D3GN provided modem, and my desktop has a TP Link 300 Mbps stick attached due to lack of ethernet ports.
My network speed is supposed to be 25 down, 2 up, but I'm getting incredibly wavy connection with either "amazing" speeds (11 mb up), ridiculously slow speeds (x<52 kbps), or no connection at all.
To provide a context, I'll give three different scenarios, all of which have happened in the past week multiple times.
1) Google searches taking a year to load (figuratively).
2) LoL will often get ridiculously high pings (x>1000), and the game would refuse to respond to my mouse clicks, and rather it'd just sit there with the minions in an eternal combat.
3) Download speeds will go from taking 15 seconds to download a 50 mb file, to suddenly pausing.

What is the exact function of a router, and would it help in my case? Also, how is it setup? I'm looking at the Asus N12 router: http://www.staples.ca/en/ASUS-RT-N12-Wireless-N300-Router/product_747598_2-CA_1_20001

(I'm looking for the under-$50 range)

Thank you guys in advance in helping me through this huge pain issue!

EDIT: Ideally, I'm looking into streaming, ofc I can't because of this issue not even letting me play a game in the first place!

 

[bill001g]

With only 2m up you will likely have issues streaming game programs.

I have never seen a desktop machine that does not have a ethernet port. Pretty much the only devices that I have see that do no have ethernet are very thin tablet devices. Your very best bet is a pci based ethernet card.

Next step it to get yourself a USB extension cable and place the adapter directly on top of your router. This should eliminate any question about wireless interference.

Still as bad as you response is I would suspect a problem with the PC. You could have driver issues with the card but I suspect you have other more generic issues with the machine. Make sure you run virus and malware scans.

You can not replace the router with the one you have listed. You need one that contains a cable modem and you will not find any in the $50 range.
The vast majority of people use the motorola surfboard gateway products but you need to be sure your ISP will support them...most do support motorola products.

I still doubt a router replacement will make much difference with your performance as bad as it is.

 

[exodasius]

Well, the problem isn't so much the up and down speed, it's the fact that I get such awful speeds that they're virtually non-existant. I've done checks w/ Avast and MBAM, and they're showing it's all fine. I do have an ethernet port, problem is
a) The modem is one floor below, and in an awkward position
and
b) It costs $50 just to activate the cable in my room (Rogers customer service for you)
Thank you anyways

 

[bill001g]

If you have coax cable in your room look at a device called MoCA it will let you use the coax as a ethernet cable.