I'm getting a new PC soon and really want to use Ethernet for a better connection. Unfortunately, my router is stuck in the kitchen and my PC will be in another room—there's no changing that location. I'm considering installing Ethernet wall ports, one by the router and another in my room, but I'm not sure how this works or if it's the best option. Any ideas or alternatives?
5 Answers
Honestly, if running cables sounds like too much hassle, and you’re okay with a slightly less stable connection, strong Wi-Fi could work. Setting up a mesh network or good access points can help cover the distance adequately. Just make sure your setup's good enough to handle gaming!
Consider using a powerline adapter. It uses your home’s electrical system to transmit the Ethernet signal, which can work pretty well. Just plug one in near your router and the other one close to your PC. This might not give you the same speeds as a direct connection but is often better than Wi-Fi, especially for gaming!
Fair point! It's not as fast as a direct Ethernet connection, but for gaming, it should do a decent job.
I've had powerline adapters, and they worked fine for me, but be ready for the occasional reset!
One easy solution is to get a 50ft Ethernet cable and run it along the baseboards or corners of the floor. You can secure it with clips—it's what I did when I had a similar setup. Just a heads up, though, if your room is really far from the kitchen, this might not cut it for distance!
That’s exactly my problem! My room is way down a hallway and across a dining room.
If you have coaxial cable lines in your home that aren't being used, a MOCA adapter could be a game changer. You can use it to connect your router to your PC over those lines instead of running new cables. If that's not feasible, running a standard Ethernet cable is doable but might require some handy work through the walls or attic—it's not too tough, but you should be comfortable getting your hands dirty!
Totally agree! Installing Ethernet wall jacks isn't as hard as it seems. Just a little bit of DIY savvy goes a long way.
Running Ethernet is probably the best way to go for performance. Depending on your setup, you might hire someone to do it if you're not comfortable—might cost a couple of hundred bucks but totally worth it for a reliable connection in the long run!
Only a couple hundred? That's much cheaper than I thought! I might consider this route.
I hear you, but for gaming, you really can't beat the stability of wired connections!