Option for extended wifi area using existing ethernet cable?
Discussion
Looking for some "talk to me like I'm stupid" advice please...
Years ago, before wifi was as stable as it is now, I ripped up floorboards, drilled holes in walls etc and run an ethernet cable from my upstairs router to my office which is downstairs at the opposite end of the house. This goes into the back of my windows 7 PC (which does not have a wireless card).
This has always worked perfectly, but the wifi does not extend as far as my office, and I want my phone to connect to wifi whilst I'm in my office.
The more I read, the more confused I am. Can I create an additional/extended wifi area that covers my office by plugging the existing ethernet cable to a new router in my office and run my pc from another outlet on said router?
Don't think mesh is an option as BT don't currently offer fast enough speeds in my area, although I've never had any complaints re speed
Years ago, before wifi was as stable as it is now, I ripped up floorboards, drilled holes in walls etc and run an ethernet cable from my upstairs router to my office which is downstairs at the opposite end of the house. This goes into the back of my windows 7 PC (which does not have a wireless card).
This has always worked perfectly, but the wifi does not extend as far as my office, and I want my phone to connect to wifi whilst I'm in my office.
The more I read, the more confused I am. Can I create an additional/extended wifi area that covers my office by plugging the existing ethernet cable to a new router in my office and run my pc from another outlet on said router?
Don't think mesh is an option as BT don't currently offer fast enough speeds in my area, although I've never had any complaints re speed
you want a small switch (not a router) to split the connection up in the office, and an access point connected to the switch to provide wifi.
Mesh would also work - it doesn't have a minimum speed requirement, and some systems can be connected together using existing ethernet wiring which you have.
Personally I'd do the switch and access point option - the switch is about £15, and a basic access point is say £25
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS108G-Wallmount-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WA901N-Wireles...
More £ would get you a faster wireless network, but if the broadband isn't that fast there may not be any point.
Mesh would also work - it doesn't have a minimum speed requirement, and some systems can be connected together using existing ethernet wiring which you have.
Personally I'd do the switch and access point option - the switch is about £15, and a basic access point is say £25
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS108G-Wallmount-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WA901N-Wireles...
More £ would get you a faster wireless network, but if the broadband isn't that fast there may not be any point.
xeny said:
you want a small switch (not a router) to split the connection up in the office, and an access point connected to the switch to provide wifi.
Mesh would also work - it doesn't have a minimum speed requirement, and some systems can be connected together using existing ethernet wiring which you have.
Personally I'd do the switch and access point option - the switch is about £15, and a basic access point is say £25
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS108G-Wallmount-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WA901N-Wireles...
More £ would get you a faster wireless network, but if the broadband isn't that fast there may not be any point.
Thanks.....Sounds like a good solution. Just to confirm I've understood correctly, I've made a crude illustration. The solid red lines being ethernet cable. can you confirm that's correct. Mesh would also work - it doesn't have a minimum speed requirement, and some systems can be connected together using existing ethernet wiring which you have.
Personally I'd do the switch and access point option - the switch is about £15, and a basic access point is say £25
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS108G-Wallmount-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WA901N-Wireles...
More £ would get you a faster wireless network, but if the broadband isn't that fast there may not be any point.
alpertonian said:
Thanks.....Sounds like a good solution. Just to confirm I've understood correctly, I've made a crude illustration. The solid red lines being ethernet cable. can you confirm that's correct.
Just to confirm, is the router in your illustration your main (and only) router or are you planning on fitting a second one and then a switch etc? Just in case it's the latter then you only want the switch and not a second router. (Unless I've got it wrong) 
NotGoingOut said:
Just to confirm, is the router in your illustration your main (and only) router or are you planning on fitting a second one and then a switch etc? Just in case it's the latter then you only want the switch and not a second router. (Unless I've got it wrong)
I see how my diagram may suggest that, but no....The router in the diagram is my main router. The access point is the TP link access point suggested by Xeny earlier.Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff