I have several loose coaxial and Ethernet cables hanging in my basement. My Xfinity Wi‑Fi router was originally installed there, and everything worked until I moved the setup into my living room to improve coverage on the upper floor. Since moving it, I haven't been able to get the Wi‑Fi working again. I'm not sure which cables belong where or whether every power adapter needs to be connected. I'd prefer to keep the router in the living room, but I'm willing to use another setup if necessary. What should I check, and how can I identify the correct coax, Ethernet, and power connections?
2 Answers
The cables need to be traced before anyone can say exactly what goes where. Find the coax cable that carries the service into the house and connect it to the modem or gateway. Then connect the router’s Internet/WAN port to the modem with Ethernet, if they are separate devices. Any modem, router, or network box being used will also need its own matching power adapter plugged in. Unlabeled cables can be identified by disconnecting them and testing one at a time, then labeling the ones that work.
The photo alone doesn’t identify which cable runs to which room. Start by locating the incoming coax line and make sure it is tightly connected to the cable modem or Xfinity gateway. Check that the power light comes on, then connect a computer or router to the gateway with Ethernet and test the connection. If the gateway works in the basement but not in the living room, the living-room coax jack or the cable connecting it may not be connected to the active line in the basement. Label each cable as you test it so the setup is easier to restore.
I no longer have access to the person who originally installed it. I’m also unsure whether the AC/DC power adapter in the setup needs to be connected.