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CarterUSM's avatar
CarterUSM
Just joined
22 hours ago

To extend wifi to upstairs room?

Hi

We would like to extend our wifi network to an upstairs bedroom; the modem/router is in our front room, and we intend to take the PC upstairs.

Having done a bit of research, it would appear that a wired ethernet connection is the fastest and most reliable method. However, this would appear to involve drilling and other disruption.

I’m not really willing to consider a wifi extender, as there would appear to be performance issues with this application.

So the choice would appear to be between a mesh system and a powerline adapter. I’m inclined towards the mesh system, as I understand the powerline solution is dependent on the condition of the house’s electrical wiring, and as no work has been done on it for at least 25 years, that is an obvious disadvantage.

Does anyone have any opinions on what would be the best option?

Many thanks in anticipation of your assistance.

4 Replies

  • I got a cat8 flat patch cable from Amazon that easily tucks under the skirting boards. I then setup another cheap WiFi 6 router as a WiFi access point at the other end. This has the advantage of being able to turn off the WiFi when the Kids go to bed. 

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta

    Definitely install an Ethernet cable for best results and preferably terminated at an RJ45 socket. You connect the Ethernet cable to a small gigabit network switch and plug the PC and mesh node into the switch. Downstairs you have the hub in modem mode connected to the main mesh node, and use the mesh node for any wired connections such as a TV box.

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta

    A Mesh System without Ethernet back haul cables is just a set of 2 or 3 Wi-Fi Repeaters !

  • Tudor's avatar
    Tudor
    Very Insightful Person

    I would not recommend anything except Ethernet cable. The cable is cheap, easily hidden and only requires small holes to be drilled.