How To Get Wired Internet In Another Room

As the title implies, we are going to be talking about how to get wired internet in another room in today’s article. We will start with the basics, where we will cover how the wired internet works.

Then we will take a look at the devices needed to get wired internet in another room so you will know what kind of equipment you will need to gather to make things work. After that we are going to look into details the most practical and common methods that will provide you with detailed information on how to get wired internet in another room, each with its pros and cons, to further help you decide which method to go with.

For those of you who want to “cut the wire”, we will devote some attention to discussing how to get a better Wi-Fi signal from a neighbor or another floor and do the comparison between the wired and wireless internet options, so that you’ll be able to determine which is best for your home or office.

We will wrap things up by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.

So, are you ready to learn how to get wired internet in another room? Let’s dig in.

How Does Wired Internet Work?

Before we tackle the ‘how to get wired internet in another room’ methods, we would like to make sure that you all know the basics of how a wired internet works. You should know that basically, all type internet connections use the wired portion at some end. Even WiFi connections and mobile internet connections have wired parts connecting to the signal towers.

When using a wired internet you get your mainline (your internet connection) from your internet provider, which can be fiber, DSL, cable, or even mobile or satellite (the last two are not technically wired, however, you can still use wires within your home/office to distribute the signal).

How To Get Wired Internet In Another Room

 

These are the methods by which the internet connection (internet signal if you will) enters your home/office. Then you need a device that converts the analog signal into a digital signal – a device called a modem. From modem, you then use internet cables (Ethernet cables in most cases) to connect your devices to the web (this option is possible with a more modern modem, with older modems, you will also need a router).

In the case of larger networks, additional devices are required (more on that in the next section). Once the physical connection is established, the signal travels from and to your individual device (upload/download), which enables you to receive and submit all sorts of data. For instance, let’s say you use a search engine. When you type in your keyword and hit enter, you send data and once the results are displayed you receive data or information.

Read one of our past articles How to get free WiFi anywhere

What Devices Do I Need To Get Wired Internet In Another Room?

As promised, we will take a closer look at what devices do you need to get wired internet in another room.

If you read the previous section, you already know that a router is a must-have in order to use a wired connection. From that point on, it all depends on the size of your home/office and the number of devices you want to connect. Do not worry about that for now, we will cover the best methods in the following section.

The simplest setup can be done with a modern modem and Ethernet cables alone, in which case you will need to get an Ethernet cable from the modem to each particular device that you want to connect.

In many homes and especially office setups, you will want to use routers and switches. Routers enable you to spread the initial signal (one cable in) in several outlets (several cables out). Moreover, these days you may also use Wi-Fi routers and Modem Router Combo, which enable you to use both wired and wireless connections.

Switches are devices that will enable you to use a single cable to get to a certain point, then use a switch, and then use multiple cables from switch to user-end devices. The routers are designed to connect multiple networks together, while the router serves to connect computers/devices within a network. An average-sized home typically doesn’t need a switch.

Aside from switches, you may also use hubs as a cheaper and simpler device that works on the physical layer, while switch works on the network layer. That means that a hub is a broadcasting device that sends data from one PC to all other connected PCs, while a switch is a multicast device, which can send data to a particular PC. Again, like with switches, hubs are more of office equipment.

Recap of devices for wired internet connection:

  • Essential devices for wired internet: Modems, Ethernet (or DSL in some cases) cables
  • Optional, though highly recommended: Routers
  • Recommended for larger offices: Switches, Hubs

Note: There are some other devices that may be used to get internet in another room, such as powerline adapters. You’ll be able to learn more about those in the following section.

How To Get Wired Internet In Another Room

We finally got to the section, where we get to take a closer look at the methods of how to get wired internet in another room. Below we will cover the best available solutions. We will provide you will all the information and instructions needed for you to make an informed decision, which of the methods will work best for you, and even take the steps to implement it. Let’s do this, shall we?

Note: The steps below are mainly intended for personal use. Setups for businesses can be very complicated and we recommend hiring a professional.

Get Wired Internet In Another Room Option #1: Using Ethernet Cables

PROS

  • Enables fast and stable internet connection

CONS

  • Installation can be problematic (depends on your existing situation and your home arrangements)

Overview:

If we are completely honest, we believe that this is the best option. With that in mind, we strongly advise you to use this method to get the best wired internet connection. Of course, it comes with some downside, the major being the need to install cables.

This method is pretty straightforward; you’ll need to lay down the cables to connect your devices located in the various rooms of your home to your modem/router/switch.

If you are looking for the fastest and most reliable internet connections, then this is the method to use.

Here are the important steps to follow, if you decide to use this method:

  • Step #1: Proper setup plan – If you are building a house, it is important to think of this in advance. However, if you are working with an existing building, make sure to take a good look at the current internet setup. This will enable you to determine what devices you have available and if there are any cable guides inside the walls already installed for you to make use of. Determine in which rooms do you want a wired connection. Will there be any drilling required? What type of wall material will you be working with? Do you mind having cables running along with the wall corners or do you want it concealed within the wall or underneath the wall-floor transition strips? By answering those questions, you will determine what kind of equipment and tools do you need.
  • Step #2: Determine the number of ports needed – once you know how many rooms or end devices you want to get the cables to, you will see if you can use your modem or if you will need a router or switches to establish the connection. Get the devices you need.
  • Step #3: Measure the distances – You want to avoid dealing with too short cables, thus make sure to measure the length of the cables required. We strongly recommend adding a couple of feet to that measurement. Then go out and purchase the needed amount and lengths of Ethernet cables. It is way easier to cut the cable than it is to couple two cables together to extend the reach.
    • Ethernet Cable types: the two most common options are Cat5 (sometimes called Cat5e) and Cat6. There are Cat7 (the best option) now available as well. If you are looking for the highest speeds, we recommend getting Cat6 cables.
  • Step #4: Set the cables in place – In case you need to make some holes, do that first. Remember, you can use other existing cable guides that you have in the walls (electricity, phone lines, TV cable, … As long as you can avoid drilling, it usually is the way to go). Then set the cables in place. Once the cables are in place, connect them to both ends (modem/router/switch on one end and switch/end device on the other).

Get Wired Internet In Another Room Option #2: Powerline Adapters

PROS

  • Very simple installation process
  • You use the existing electricity grid to transfer the signal

CONS

  • The maximum speed is not as good as if you use Ethernet cables all the way
  • You need to purchase the powerline adapters (which are more expensive than the cable)

Overview:

Using this method is a good alternative to Ethernet cables. You still use the Ethernet cables from the modem/router to the powerline adapter on one end and from the powerline adapter to switch or end device on the other, however, you use the existing electrical cable grid to transfer the signal.

This method is great for those who want to avoid cable installation and don’t mind slightly slower internet speed (compared to if you were to use Ethernet cables all the way).

This method is super simple; you just plug the powerline adapters into a wall socket on both ends. On one side you want that socket to be as close to your modem/router as possible. On the other end, you plug the adapter in the room where you need a wired connection.

Here are the important steps to follow, if you decide to use this method:

  • Step #1: Determine how many adapters you need and buy them.
  • Step #2: Establish the connection – Plug the adapters into the sockets and use the Ethernet cables to connect the adapters to the modem/router on one end and to end devices on the other.

Get Wired Internet In Another Room Option #3: MoCA

PROS

  • Enable the use of existing coax cable connection

CONS

  • If there is no existing coax cable connection, it is better to go with Ethernet cables (option #1)
  • You need MoCA adapters
  • The speeds are not that great as with Ethernet cables

Overview:

Another mention-worthy option to get wired internet in another room is MoCA. MoCA stands for Multimedia Over Coax. If you went through the above two options, you can look at this one as a sort of hybrid between the first two methods.

This method doesn’t offer great internet speeds nor is it as simple to install as the option using powerline adapters, which means that we recommend the above two methods over this one. So, why use it? Well, if you already have coax cables running between the rooms in your home, it makes things rather simple. You will need to use MoCA adapters, which look very similar to simple routers.

Here are the important steps to follow, if you decide to use this method:

(assuming you have coax cable connection set in place)

  • Step #1: Determine how many adapters you need and buy them.
  • Step #2: Establish the connection – Use coax cables to connect the coax socket to the adapters and use the Ethernet cables to connect the adapters to the modem/router on one end and to end devices on the other.

Get Wired Internet In Another Room Option #4: DLS Cables

PROS

  • Enables the fastest and most stable internet connection
  • The most high-end method

CONS

  • Installation can be problematic (depends on your existing situation and your home arrangements)
  • Additional modem or high-end router/switch required

Overview:

This option is for those of you who get the main internet connection from an internet provider that uses the telephone line. This option provides you with high-speed internet and the ability to connect multiple devices in that room because you will be required to install a separate modem in each room (which can be costly).

This option is recommended if you need the highest internet speed available to you.

Get Wired Internet In Another Room Option #5: Fiber Optic Cable (With Media Converters)

PROS

  • Enables fast speeds
  • Great solution for longer distance

CONS

  • Installation can be tricky

Overview:

If you are lucky enough to get a fiber main internet connection, you may want to use this option to retain the highest speeds. The method is similar to the one above, however, instead of using DSL cables, you use fiber cables.

Using fiber optic cables with media converters, you get to transfer the regular copper Ethernet cable signal to fiber. So you do not need a fiber main internet connection to use this method. There are many media converters to choose between. There are many intended for commercial use as well. Since fiber cables offer great performance and minimal loss, they are great for situations, where you need to cover longer distances.

In case you also need information How To Get Free Internet On Android Without Service Plan

How To Get A Better Wi-Fi Signal From A Neighbor Or Another Floor?

The above methods covered various methods to get wired internet in another room. You may use each and every one of the above methods to get a better Wi-Fi signal either from a neighbor or other rooms of your home.

In case you are using your internet connection and want to transfer it to another room, you just need to choose one of the methods from the previous sections and then add a Wi-Fi router to that room. That way you will have a great Wi-Fi signal.

If you are using your neighbor’s Wi-Fi, you will of course need their permission to do the same. If the distance between your place and your neighbor is not that short, consider using optical cables (in combination with media converters) to get the most out of it.

Do you want to learn more about How to Connect Your Tablet to the Internet Without WiFi

Wired vs. Wireless Internet: What’s Best for Your Office and Home?

These days most homes and businesses uses a combination of Wi-Fi and wired connections. Why? Well, each of the two options has its upsides and downsides. By using both, you can get the best of both options.

Wi-Fi’s main advantage is obvious – no wires. That way you have maximum freedom to move around your place without having to deal with highly impractical wires. Wi-Fi internet also gives you a simple way to create a network that multiple devices can use, while you’d need a separate wire connection for every device otherwise.

On the other hand, an Ethernet connection enables you faster speeds and a more reliable and stable connection. So if you are using your internet for tasks and processes that require the highest speeds and the highest level of reliability, we highly advise you use a wired connection.

However, if you are looking for the most practical way to connect, using Wi-Fi is the way to go. We personally prefer to have both options set in place.

FAQs

Is a wired connection better than WiFi?

When it comes to speed and reliability, yes. However, practicality vise, Wi-Fi absolutely has the upper hand.

Can I get wired Internet in every room in my house?

Yes. Using the methods presented in the ‘How To Get Wired Internet In Another Room’ section, you can get wired internet in every room in your house.

Can I get WiFi in my house without Internet?

As long as you are connecting to Wi-Fi, you will need that Wi-Fi to be connected to the internet. Otherwise, you can’t use it.

If you don’t have an internet provider, then you can try using other available free Wi-Fi networks (public, neighbors, …). You may also use your cell phone to establish WiFi (hot spot) and use your mobile data to get access to the internet.

Can WiFi go through walls?

Yes, Wi-Fi gets through most walls, however, each wall reduces the signal. If the wall is extremely thick and full of metal, the signal may not get through.

What kind of Ethernet cable do I need for PS4?

The best option would be Cat7. However, Cat6 or Cat5 will also get the job done.

What is the fastest Ethernet cable?

Cat7 is the fastest Ethernet cable.

Can I get a wired connection without a router?

Yes. For wired connection modem and Ethernet cables are enough but only for simple network configurations (limited number of devices).