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How can I get my Switch better connected to the Internet? (lemmus.org)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Usually, when I try to use my Switch for online connectivity the system is connected but I keep getting error messages and won’t actually connect to the online servers I try to access.

I live in the countryside with my family, so maybe that’s why my Internet is so wonky?

But I’m still able to access the online classic games for the NES, SNES, and Game Boy at least: I just can’t play the regular Switch games.

Any advice for a better connection?

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

So a bunch of people have already said about using the ethernet adapter. Which is exactly what I would say.

But for argument sake and for people who are using the switch lite, get yourself a Wi-Fi analyzer. Like this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vrem.wifianalyzer

You're living in the countryside you shouldn't have a lot of EMI. Could be just poor signal. The analyzer will help you visualize what the Wi-Fi is where the switch is.

Of course this is all assuming that the problem is on your side of the connection and not from your ISP.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

I would recommend looking into a USB Ethernet adapter.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

So, if you're playing undocked (either because you have a switch lite or because you have nowhere to set up a dock) my advice won't help. But if you connect the switch dock directly to your modem via Ethernet cable (if this is possible for you) using a USB A to Ethernet dongle, you'll at least have a more stable connection than connecting via wifi. We don't know the age of your wifi router or anything else about your setup though, so it may be any one of those factors as well.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

Assuming the NAT type is one that supports peer to peer connectivity, you could try using Ethernet instead of wireless (of course this only helps when docked). This would alleviate issues with WiFi signal not being strong enough, potentially increase bandwidth, and reduce latency. Ethernet can't improve the connection beyond the incoming connection from the ISP, it only will improve issues that stem from wireless connectivity.

I live in the countryside with my family, so maybe that’s why my Internet is so wonky?

it could very well be this, when I visit my parents in the countryside the internet is sometimes not good enough, and other times it is adequate (satellite internet, so weather can impact it).

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Have you ran a speedtest? You can do so, even from your phone, at speedtest.net. Since you are in the countryside, I'm guessing you just don't have the speeds available for online play

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I was told I could get a WiFi extender, though.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

A wifi extender only lets you get further from your wireless access point. It won't increase your speeds unless they're slow because of a weak signal

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

Yeah you should really figure out what sorry of service you are getting from your isp. Like I said, out in the countryside it's not uncommon to have piss-poor mbs (at least in the US)

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Have you done the internet test from your Nintendo switch? https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22462/~/how-to-use-the-internet-connection-test

The most important result is the NAT type. What's the score?

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Not recently, but I’ll try it…

Edit: The NAT score is D.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago

Whelp, it's not great. Ideally, you'll need at least NAT type B to be able to play online without issues.

You may improve the score by assigning a static ip address to your nintendo switch in your router settings, then add it to the router's DMZ. But this is assuming the source of the problem is the router's firewall. If the source of the issue is your ISP using CGNAT, then not much you can do beyond changing ISP or talk to your ISP to see if they have any online gaming-friendly internet plans.