Ever been frustrated because you’re stuck with a wifi connection or a weak Wi-Fi signal in the room where you need it most? The solution could be simpler than you think. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting a wired internet connection in another room in your home. No more worrying about weak signals or slow connections – let’s get you plugged in and online!
Introduction
Wireless technology has certainly made our lives easier, but when it comes to internet connection, nothing beats a wired setup. Wired internet provides consistent speed and reliable connection, free from the common interferences that often plague Wi-Fi signals. Whether for gaming, streaming, or working from home, a wired connection can significantly improve your internet experience.
Importance of Wired Internet Connection
A wired internet connection offers several advantages over a wireless network. It provides a stable and consistent internet speed, which is crucial for activities that require high-speed internet such as online gaming, video streaming, or video conferencing. It also offers better security since you’re less exposed to potential hackers compared to a wireless connection.
According to a study by Statista, home internet usage has been steadily increasing, with a significant spike in recent years. In 2020, an estimated 4.8 billion people worldwide used the internet, a number that is projected to grow further. This highlights the importance of finding reliable solutions to extend internet connectivity within homes.
Planning and Preparation
Before we dive into the actual process of getting wired internet in another room, let’s first discuss what you need to do to prepare. This includes assessing your current internet setup, determining the best route for the cable, and gathering the necessary equipment and tools.
1. Assessing Your Current Internet Setup
Before extending your own wired internet access to other rooms, you must know where your modem and router are located. Typically, you’ll find them in a central area of your home, such as the living room or office, near where your internet service provider (ISP) has installed the main connection. Knowing their location will help you plan how to get wired internet in another room and expand your wired network.
Some homes come equipped with pre-installed Ethernet ports, making it easier to get wired internet in other rooms. To check for these, look for wall plates with an Ethernet jack in your rooms. They look very similar to phone jacks. If you find them, you’re in luck! All you need to do is connect your devices to wired internet upstairs using Ethernet cables.
2. Determining the Best Route for the Cable
Once you’ve determined where you need to install your wired internet, you can start by locating the locations where the cables are going to go. Identify where the cables need to run, and cut into the drywall if necessary. Label your cables based on where they’re needed and which room they need to go to. This will keep things organized and make the installation process smoother.
A survey conducted by the Wi-Fi Alliance found that approximately 33% of respondents experienced Wi-Fi connectivity issues due to the signal not reaching all desired areas of their homes. This limitation underscores the need for alternative methods like wired connections to ensure reliable and consistent internet access throughout the house.
3. Gathering Necessary Equipment and Tools
Regardless of the method you choose, there are some basic tools and equipment that you should have on hand. These include an Ethernet cable, a powerline adapter or MoCA adapter (depending on your chosen method), and possibly some cable clips or adhesive mounts to secure the cable along the route. Remember to get a long enough Ethernet cable to reach from your router to the new room.
How to Get Wired Internet in Another Room
The market for powerline adapters, a technology that allows users to transmit data over existing electrical wiring, has been witnessing significant growth. A report by MarketsandMarkets estimates that the global powerline communication market will reach $13.1 billion by 2025. This demonstrates the increasing popularity of powerline adapters as a means to extend wired internet connectivity.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. We’ll guide you through the steps of getting a wired internet connection in another room, from deciding on the type of connection to running the cable and connecting your device to wifi network.
Step 1: Deciding on the Type of Connection
There are several ways to wire the internet in another room, but one of the most common and affordable is to use an Ethernet cable. These digital cables, also known as LAN cables, can be plugged into an electrical outlet and will use the prevailing electrical lines to transmit data. To use the internet access this method, you will need a modem with Ethernet output slots.
Another option is to make wired connections and use powerline adapters. Powerline adapters use your home’s existing electrical wiring to transmit internet signals. They plug into your electrical outlets and send data over your home’s electrical wiring. Powerline adapters are easy to set up and can be a great solution when running Ethernet cables isn’t feasible.
Yet another option is to use MoCA adapters. MoCA adapters use the same coaxial cable or cables already in your home to create a wired connection. If your home has coaxial cables, MoCA adapters can help you utilize them for a wired internet connection.
A report by Ookla, a renowned internet metrics company, revealed that wired connections consistently outperform wireless connections in speed and latency. Wired connections are less susceptible to interference and signal loss, making them attractive for users who prioritize stability and performance.
Step 2: Running the Cable from Your Router to the New Room
Once you’ve decided on wireless router and the type of connection, the next step is to run the cable from your router to the new room. If you’re using an Ethernet cable, connect one end of the cable to the Ethernet port on the router and the other end to the Ethernet port on the device in the new room. If the device is not within reach of the Ethernet cable, you may need to use a longer cable or a cable extension.
For powerline or MoCA adapters, simply plug one adapter into an electrical outlet near your router and connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable. Then, plug the other adapter into an outlet in the new room and connectit to wifi router and your device with another Ethernet cable.
If you’re running the cable through walls or ceilings, be extra careful. It’s recommended to use a stud finder to avoid drilling into any hidden pipes or wires. You might also want to consider using cable clips or adhesive mounts to secure the cable and keep it tidy.
Step 3: Installing Wall Plates for a Cleaner Look
If you’re using an Ethernet cable and want a cleaner look, consider installing wall plates. Wall plates can make your setup neat and professional-looking. To install wall plates, you’ll need to cut a hole in the drywall near the outlet, pull the Ethernet cable through the hole, and attach it to the back of the wall plate before securing the plate to the wall.
Step 4: Connecting Your Device to the New Wired Access Point
Now that you have your Ethernet cable or adapter set up, it’s time to connect your device to wired network access now. Simply plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the new access point (either directly or through the wall plate), and the other end into your device. This could be a computer, smart TV, gaming console, or any other device that needs a wired internet connection.
In most cases, your router will automatically see network traffic and assign an IP address to your device, which should connect to the internet without any additional configuration. However, it’s always a good idea to verify that your device is connected by opening a web browser and visiting a website.
The number of internet-connected devices in households continues to rise. According to a study by Deloitte, the average number of connected devices per person in developed countries reached 3.5 in 2020 and is expected to increase. This emphasizes the importance of expanding wired internet access to accommodate the growing number of devices in various rooms.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While setting up a wired internet in another room is usually straightforward, you may encounter some issues. If you’re not getting a connection, check the Ethernet cable or adapter to make sure it’s properly installed and connected. If you’re using a powerline or MoCA adapter, make sure the electrical outlets are working and the adapters running cables are paired correctly.
If the problem persists, you may need to check your router settings or contact your ISP for assistance. Remember, it’s always better to seek professional help if you’re unsure of what to do.
Maintenance and Upgrades
The demand for dedicated home offices has increased with the rise of remote work and online education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 42% of the American workforce worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals and families require wired internet access in separate rooms to create functional workspaces, making it crucial to explore viable solutions.
Just like any other aspect of your home, your wired internet setup requires regular maintenance. This includes checking the cables for wear and tear, ensuring the router and cable modem itself are dust-free, and regularly updating the firmware of your devices for optimal performance.
As technology advances, you may also need to upgrade your equipment. For instance, if you start using more devices or subscribing to a higher-speed internet plan, you might need to upgrade your Ethernet cables to those that can handle higher speeds. Keeping your setup up-to-date ensures you get the most out of your investment.
Final Note
Getting wired internet in another room is a practical solution to enhance your online experience. Whether for work, gaming, or streaming, a wired connection offers reliable speed and connection stability. While the process takes some planning and preparation, the steps are relatively straightforward. And remember, if things get too complicated, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. Happy surfing!
Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Priyanshi Sharma
