Ethernet randomly loses internet (Windows 10)

[Mask3d]

So this is for my old PC Specialist build but its a strange one I can't quite put my finger on.

So my computer was built and running Windows 7,
Basic specs:

Processor (CPU)	AMD FX-9590 Eight Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.0GHz/16MB CACHE/AM3+)
Motherboard	ASUS® 970 PRO GAMING/AURA (DDR3, USB3.0, 6Gb/s, CrossFireX/SLI)
Memory (RAM)	16GB Kingston DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (2 x 8GB)

When Microsoft stopped support for Windows 7 I switched to Windows 10 and then had to fight numerous issues with freezing, turns out it doesn't like my stock OC CPU (Windows 7 never had an issue even when being stress tested and reverting back to Windows 7 resolved everything).
I had to turn off the OC on my processor which cured all stability issues and I can now game reliably without any problems.

The one issue that does occur is random ethernet drops but ONLY when browsing the internet, never when gaming or doing anything resource intensive.
Note: my system isn't hardwired but runs through Homeplugs, I believe this may be the problem as my TV which is also connected to the home plugs occasionally loses connection (I've now connected it to the 5G wifi as the connection speed was faster and more reliable).
On the PC disabling and then re-enabling the adapter fixes it, on the TV running a speed test usually fixes it.

Now interestingly my work laptop which is connected to my 5G wifi is constantly online and gets insane speeds, likewise my TV gets around 100Mb/s.
I installed a D-Link DWA-582 Dual Band Wifi adapter but can't get speeds anywhere near either of these, even connected to the same networks, it may be due to where the PC is (under the desk rather than on top) as I'm told the cross talk between the cables can affect it too.

I guess my questions are:

Are there better wired methods than homeplugs (other than directly hardwiring, the router is in another room and i don't fancy punching holes through the wall, yet)?
Is wireless N ok for gaming or is ethernet still the better option?

 

[Mask3d]

For added context:

Here is my wifi adapter connected:
Speed fluctuates between 325Mbps and 390Mbps

Speedtest:

Ethernet:

Ping is the same but the speed is over double.
Wifi does lose internet more than ethernet also but again I expect this is a crosstalk/interference issue.

I'm on a 350Mb line with Virgin Business.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Sounds like a Mesh setup might be worth looking into...I don't understand the technology surrounding it though so it will need someone smarter than me to explain @SpyderTracks please?

For gaming: The advice would be that gaming is better done via a wired connection as it is more stable and less prone to drops. I would say that it depends on the game, your connection etc...for example, until August I played Forza Horizon 4 (racing game if you aren't familiar) on my PC and connected via a wired connection...I then changed to an Xbox with a Wi-Fi connection and there was zero difference with the connection to the game's servers

The LAN vs Wireless argument is really to do with latency, but Wifi systems (certainly with wifi mesh) are so much better these days that it's not really a concern anymore imho.

Mesh is simply the latest wifi range technology. I don't fully understand it, but it's a 2 way communication between router and satellites with the ability to beamform to devices. They're inherently much more powerful and intelligent devices and are able to cover a much larger area with less "repeaters". I have 4 in our 5 bed home and it blankets the entire house and garden with ease.

I'd highly recommend them. Since installing our setup with Google Wifi (1st Gen) we've had zero outages or dead spots at all, literally no issue at any time anywhere, it's a JOY!!!

Homeplugs in my experience usually tend to black out and need rebooting to restore connection. That was my setup previously and it was a pain and still left dead spots everywhere.

I would invest in a good Eero / Nest Wifi / Ubiquiti / Netgear Orbi setup. They're the best contenders.

Worth also adding, if you're with BT for internet, they offer an upgrade package that includes a mesh setup, I arranged this for my parents for free, so they got the router and 4 satellites all free which is about £350 quids worth of gear.

 

[Martinr36]

If you are with sky and have their multiroom with mini q boxes the main box and mini boxes work on a mesh system