Ethernet connections for dummies

[name8793]

My wifi isn't great, I've connected my work laptop by Ethernet and it's made a world of difference but the router isn't close by, I'd like to avoid an ugly cable running through my hallway! I have a phone line/Ethernet socket in my office, but don't quite understand how it works, I assume I can't just plug the Ethernet cable into the wall, would I need to move the router into there??

(Sorry can't test it this second as can't unplug for a couple hours!)

If the socket in your office has an Ethernet port then it would need a line fed from the router:
You would connect a cable to your router and to a wall port, then (presumably) there would be a line feeding to your office

An ‘easy’ alternative is a pair of mains based Ethernet plugs - you plug one into the wall besides your router and connect an Ethernet cable into it
Then plug in another one in your office and connect that by Ethernet cable to your laptop

This will work as long as the two wall sockets are not on a separate power loop

Like these:

www.amazon.co.uk/TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Configuration-Required-UK/dp/B01BECPIMC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?hvlocphy=1007044&hvnetw=g&keywords=ethernet+through+mains&hvadid=259147358621&qid=1623068343&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_eFBhDZARIsALHjIKdO50leOZWKSIBSvsmbx4RFAn5IAEVp3KaLsWoPkWuHF_p1NgFPG2UaAvMBEALw_wcB&hydadcr=16880_1776232&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=kwd-304649332310&adgrpid=56016680354&hvrand=9657208816304184610&sr=8-3

www.amazon.co.uk/TL-PA4010PKIT-Passthrough-Powerline-Configuration-Required/dp/B01G5Q9E0O/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?hvlocphy=1007044&hvnetw=g&keywords=ethernet+through+mains&hvadid=259147358621&qid=1623068343&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_eFBhDZARIsALHjIKdO50leOZWKSIBSvsmbx4RFAn5IAEVp3KaLsWoPkWuHF_p1NgFPG2UaAvMBEALw_wcB&hydadcr=16880_1776232&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=kwd-304649332310&adgrpid=56016680354&hvrand=9657208816304184610&sr=8-4

An alternative is to use a wifi repeater. If the signal is struggling due to distance or solid walls etc then a repeater mid way gives a fresh signal

www.amazon.co.uk/Extender-Repeater-Superboost-Amplifier-Integrated/dp/B08KT6ZX68/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?hvlocphy=1007044&hvnetw=g&keywords=wifi+repeater&hvadid=259220956793&qid=1623068508&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_eFBhDZARIsALHjIKcEMu5amKKWYg9KOSpV0Rqa5oE9Tu0mdtrJj2dX40siELsQdKqoxRQaAkzpEALw_wcB&hydadcr=11873_1766806&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=kwd-296688899165&adgrpid=50626262142&hvrand=12440142342318493962&sr=8-5

PS - no endorsement on any of those specific products, just examples

A wifi booster will help a low signal, but a wired Ethernet connection will always give the ‘best’ connection

Thank you, my router is up and running in the prime spot it should be but connecting the laptop via Ethernet to the Ethernet port in the office does nothing.

It's not our wifi signal that's the problem (perse) I have issues with the whole 2.4/5Ghz thing to run all my smart bulbs and cameras, I can't remember what I did now to the router settings to get them all to work but basically my work laptop doesn't like it. It's fine for months then suddenly decides it doesn't like it, Ethernet seems to have solved the issue though!

Tp link powerline adapters are great for this. One plugged in by your router, one plugged in upstairs and connected to your laptop by ethernet cable. Not too expensive either.

Thank you so much, I realised what you were saying, found a bunch of Ethernet ports in our cupboard, tried them all and one of them is linked to the office!

And am wondering if those electrical ones would enable my husband to link his Xbox to the Ethernet as the wifi is really laggy for COD ha.

@name8793

And am wondering if those electrical ones would enable my husband to link his Xbox to the Ethernet as the wifi is really laggy for COD ha.

They would 🙂

@name8793

Thank you so much, I realised what you were saying, found a bunch of Ethernet ports in our cupboard, tried them all and one of them is linked to the office!

Nice one. It would appear that you may have a true hub with networking around your home.

The wifi box often gets called a router or hub.
The ‘hub’ element serves your household via the internal signal or Ethernet sockets and the ‘router’ element looks out to the internet.

The outlets in the cupboard could just be direct lines routing to some rooms, or there may be a ‘real’ hub serving them. If there’s a hub then you connect one of wifi Ethernet hub points into the hub in the cupboard then a cable to the points you’re going to use

If he’s lucky then there’s another point available in the room with his Xbox, so he can connect to that and ensure the appropriate point in the cupboard, otherwise a couple of Powerline TP links would do it

If you have a suitable printer then some have Ethernet sockets as well which would make it accessible to anyone on your network