Welcome to our blog on how to get wired internet in another room! With the ever-growing need for high-speed internet at home, we understand the importance of having a reliable connection for all your devices.

These days, WiFi is great for our smartphones and tablets. However, a wired connection can provide faster speeds, enhanced stability, and increased security for devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and desktop computers. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring wired internet to other rooms in your house without drilling holes or running cables everywhere, you’re in the right place! We’ll guide you through the basics of home networking.

Whether it’s for streaming your favorite shows, gaming with friends, or working from home, a wired connection can significantly improve the quality of your online life. In this post, we’ll explore the many ways to extend your home network using Ethernet cables and other nifty solutions.

Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Existing Network Infrastructure

Before extending your wired internet to other rooms, you must know where your modem and router are. 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.

Your modem is the magic box that brings the internet into your home. Your router is the brains of your home network, responsible for distributing the internet to your devices, either wirelessly or via Ethernet cables. Knowing their location will help you plan how to get wired internet in another room and expand your wired network.

Do You Have Pre-Installed Ethernet Ports?

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 using Ethernet cables.

Step 2: Determine Your Network Needs Based on Devices & Usage

Now that you know your home’s network setup, it’s time to figure out what you want to achieve with your wired internet connection. Consider the devices you want to connect to and how you plan to use them. For example, you might be an avid gamer or work from home.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you determine your network needs:

Make a list of devices that need a wired connection (e.g., gaming consoles, desktop computers, smart TVs)
Estimate the distance between the devices and your router
Monitor your internet usage (e.g., streaming, gaming, video calls)
Determine if you’ll need additional Ethernet ports or network equipment

Up next, we’ll dive into the basics of home networking and the different options available to make that happen

Step 3: Learn the Networking Basics: Routers & Network Switches

Routers are the Central Piece of Home Networking

The router connects to your modem, the gateway to the internet, and directs traffic between your devices and the web. Besides managing wired connections through Ethernet ports, routers also broadcast wireless signals, allowing WiFi devices to connect without cables.

Routers typically come with a few Ethernet ports at the back, allowing you to plug in devices directly for a wired connection. The number of ports varies, but most home routers have between 4 and 8 ports. Your existing router might be sufficient if you only need to connect a few devices. If not, don’t worry – we’ll discuss switches next, which can help you expand your wired network.

Switches Expand the Number of Ethernet Ports

Network switches expand the number of Ethernet ports available, making it possible to connect more devices to your network.

Setting up a switch is like plugging in an extension cord. Connect the switch to one of your router’s Ethernet ports, and voilà – you have more ports at your disposal. Now, you can plug in additional devices directly into the switch. Just make sure the switch has the same speed (1Gbps or 1000Mbps) as your router to avoid potential bottlenecks.

how to get wired internet in another room

Step 4: Choose Between Wired Connection Options

There are a few ways to bring wired internet to another room in your house. Let’s dive into each option and see which one works best for you.

Running Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables are the most direct way to create a wired connection. Here’s what you need to know:

Selecting appropriate cable type (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a): Different cable types offer various speeds and performances. For most home networks, Cat5e is sufficient, but if you have gigabit internet or want to futureproof, consider Cat6 or Cat6a.
Installing wall plates and connectors: To make your setup neat and professional-looking, install wall plates and connectors for your Ethernet cables.
Routing the cables through walls, floors, or along baseboards: Hide your cables by running them through walls, floors, or along baseboards to keep your space tidy and safe.

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. However, they don’t always perform as well as a direct Ethernet connection.

When selecting and installing powerline adapters, choose a kit that meets your speed requirements, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set them up.

MoCA Adapters (Multimedia over Coax Alliance)

MoCA adapters use the coaxial 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.

Like powerline adapters, MoCA adapters are an excellent option when running Ethernet cables isn’t possible. However, performance can vary depending on the quality of your coaxial cables.

Step 5: Set Up Your Ethernet Connection

For most users, simply plugging in the Ethernet cable and allowing the devices to automatically configure themselves is all that’s needed to establish a wired internet connection.

Here’s a simplified explanation of what happens after you plug the Ethernet cable into the router or switch:

Connect the devices: Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your router or switch, and the other end into the device you want to connect (e.g., computer, gaming console, smart TV).
Automatic configuration: In most cases, your router will automatically assign an IP address to your device, which should connect to the internet without any additional configuration.
Check the connection: Verify that your device is connected to the internet. For computers, you can do this by opening a web browser and visiting a website. For other devices, you may need to check the network settings.
Troubleshoot if necessary: If your device is not connecting to the internet, you’ll need to check your router settings or troubleshoot your device’s network settings.

Step 6: Troubleshoot Common Internet Issues

If you’re facing connection issues, it’s like having a missing puzzle piece – something isn’t fitting quite right. First, check if all cables are securely connected to your router, switch, or device. Next, try restarting your router or device. If the problem persists, try using a different Ethernet cable, as the current one might be damaged.

While wired connections are generally immune to interference, other electronic devices can cause unexpected issues. If you suspect interference, try moving the affected device away from other electronics or using shielded Ethernet cables to minimize potential disruptions.

Step 7: Maximize the Performance of Your Wired Connection

So, you’ve set up your wired connection, but now you’re looking for optimal performance. Below are some features to help you optimize your wired network and get the most out of your internet.

Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

QoS is a router feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic on your network. For example, you can prioritize gaming or streaming over other activities like browsing or file downloads. To set up QoS, log in to your router’s web interface and look for the QoS settings.

Gigabit Switches

If you have a lot of wired devices on your network, consider upgrading to a gigabit switch. These switches provide faster data transfer speeds (up to 1 Gbps) compared to older switches.

Additionally, if you have a gigabit internet plan, but you’re using an older, non-gigabit switch, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the gigabit speeds you’re paying for.

High-Performance Routers & Modems

Upgrading your router or modem to a newer, high-performance model can also boost your network’s performance. Look for routers with advanced features, such as MU-MIMO, beamforming, or WiFi 6 support, to get the best possible performance.

Cable Management Tips

Managing your cables effectively can not only make your setup look neater but also help prevent potential interference or damage. Here are some cable management tips:

Bundle and secure cables with zip ties or Velcro straps to keep them organized.
Use cable clips or adhesive mounts to secure cables along walls or baseboards.
Avoid tightly bending or twisting Ethernet cables, as this can degrade their performance.
Keep power cables and Ethernet cables separated to minimize interference.

When to Consider Professional Assistance

Are you worried you won’t be able to get a wired connection in another room all by yourself? You’re not alone. Sometimes, getting wired internet in another room might require more than just DIY solutions.

If your house is particularly large, has multiple stories, or has a complex layout, running Ethernet cables or setting up a wired network might be challenging. Professionals have experience with these types of projects and can save you time and frustration.

In some cases, you might want a custom installation that blends seamlessly with your home’s design or requires specific technical skills. A professional installer can help with this kind of project.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Installer

Professionals know the ins and outs of home networking and can provide the best solutions for your specific needs. They can also ensure your network is set up correctly and securely.

Running cables through walls or ceilings can be risky if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Professional installers follow safety guidelines and adhere to local regulations, ensuring a safe and compliant installation.

How to Get Wired Connection in Another Room: Recap

We’ve explored ways to get wired internet in another room, from running Ethernet cables to using powerline and MoCA adapters. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as each home and situation are unique.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to your internet service provider’s customer support team if you need assistance or have questions about your home network. They’re there to help you make the most of your wired connection and ensure you enjoy a streamlined, reliable internet experience.