I've got a situation in my house where one corner doesn't get any Wi-Fi signal. My kid moved out for college and left behind a long Ethernet cable that was used for gaming. Now, my wife wants me to set something up in that corner so she doesn't have to plug her laptop into an Ethernet cable every time she needs the internet. We also have a TV and some other devices that need a reliable connection in that room. She prefers to use the same Wi-Fi login and password as our existing network, creating one big Wi-Fi area. So my question is: what device can I plug into this Ethernet cable to easily extend our Wi-Fi? Do I need a range extender or a second router? I'm not very tech-savvy, so I'm hoping for some simple options here!
4 Answers
If you're open to spending a bit more, I recommend a mesh Wi-Fi system. It allows multiple devices to work together, creating one seamless network. This is perfect for your situation since you want to keep the same network name and password. Just check if your current router supports mesh systems, or consider purchasing one if not.
If you still have an old router lying around, you can repurpose it as an access point too. Just connect it to the Ethernet cable and configure it accordingly. This can be a great option if you're not looking to buy new equipment.
You should look into getting a Wi-Fi Access Point. This type of device can connect directly to your Ethernet cable and allow you to set the same SSID and password as your existing router. This way, it will feel like one big Wi-Fi network, and you can roam freely between the two without interruption. For instance, you can check out devices like this one [Wi-Fi Access Point Link](https://amzn.eu/d/6fNYcTy).
Is this the one you meant? [TP-Link Wireless Access Point](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Beamforming-Multi-SSID-TL-WA1201/dp/B08SBXVSF3/?th=1) Looks good! Do I need to change any settings? Just plug and play?
Yeah, you might need to disable DHCP on that Access Point to avoid issues, but otherwise it should work smoothly!
A powerline adapter with Wi-Fi capabilities could be a good alternative if you have issues with Wi-Fi signals. It transmits internet through your home's electrical wiring. However, since you already have the Ethernet cable, you probably won’t need this option.
True! Since you have the Ethernet already, the powerline adapter is unnecessary.
Could you give some examples of good mesh products out there?