Ethernet Through An Electric Socket

[Tefler]

I used to have a gizmo that plugged into the wall and connected to my computer to boost the signal to my laptop while I was working in the 'home office' (spare bedroom). I now have a new computer, am working from home again...but the new computer doesn't have an ethernet port. It has only the USB and HDMI ports. Is there anything I can use to boost the signal in my new computer? Or any way to adapt the device I have so I can use it with the new machine?

[barry1010]

Yes there is. You can now buy exactly the same plug device that has WiFi as well as ethernet. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=powerline+ethernet+with+wifi&adgrpid=110904675080&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2NaNBhDvARIsAEw55hi4h6k_G5_PgN5P9HZPZJzt-UXpOBWYd2DvgNX5mjGlaVU6BSZQH48aAgcMEALw_wcB&;hvadid=462282196687&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9045454&hvnetw=g&;hvqmt=e&hvrand=650343284345909769&;hvtargid=kwd-314379190778&hydadcr=26607_1930976&;tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_3zsouhudpg_e

[Tefler]

Thank you for the suggestion, Barry. Sadly, however, the link you've given me comes up with quite a lot of different devices. Could you give me the name of the one you're thinking of? I'd really appreciate it.

[johnny.5]

your internet provider might give you one for free if your wifi signal is poor in the spare room

[barry1010]

They are different devices but they all do the same thing. Plug one in to a socket near your router and connect to router by ethernet. Plug the other one in to a socket near your computer and connect by WiFi. It is up to you to decide if you want to pay extra for the ones that have pass through (you can plug something else in to the device meaning you don't lose the use of the plug socket) and choose the brand

Have a look at the TP Link AV600

[Maydup]

This is the one so use for exactly that job

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[fourteen85]

Barry, your reply at 18.50 you say connect the other end to computer by Wi-Fi, can this be connected to computer by Ethernet cable instead? thanks

[barry1010]

What is the make and model of the device you already have? I am assuming it is a powerline connected to your router by ethernet.
It may be possible to buy just one wifi enabled powerline plug that will work with your existing setup.

Good idea to ask your WiFi provider for a free extender and Maydup's extender is excellent if you position it where there is a good WiFi signal close enough to your spare bedroom. They are not very good if your house has very thick walls or other obstacles such as metal joists that interferes with WiFi signals.

I don't know why I didn't think about it earlier but £10 will buy an ethernet adapter that simply plugs in to a USB port on your PC
Amazon.com User Recommendation

[barry1010]

fourteen, yes it can but Tefler's PC doesn't have an ethernet port. I have just posted a link to an adapter that will give him a port.

I much prefer powerlines to extenders - they give the same internet speed as plugging directly in to the router wherever your device is positioned in the house (even in the shed at the bottom of the garden); does not suffer from interference and if you don't use the WiFi capability is as secure as plugging directly to the router with ethernet.

[barry1010]

This is a good article about extenders and powerlines
https://helpdeskgeek.com/networking/wifi-extenders-vs-powerline-adapters-which-is-the-best/#:~:text=As%20far%20as%20latency%20is%20concerned,%20powerline%20adapters,on%20the%20quality%20of%20your%20home%E2%80%99s%20electric%20wiring.

Another one https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/face-off/powerline-extenders-vs-wi-fi-signal-boosters

[bhg481]

If your new PC is a desktop you can add an ethernet port with this

https://cpc.farnell.com/d-link/dge-528t/network-card-pci-copper-gigabit/dp/CS17159?mckv=sRQRSBeQy_dc|pcrid|491022671187|kword||match||plid||slid||product|CS17159|pgrid|50784124721|ptaid|pla-667323081530|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!491022671187!!!network}!667323081530!&gclid=CjwKCAiA-9uNBhBTEiwAN3IlNMUXGUB-zqcl454ow_xJkONUqbFE5-I5oeRbdFWvkWF-zxm79yKnqxoCZLwQAvD_BwE

[youngmafbog]

You sure about that Barry?

Using a powerline would mean effectively you use the wiring in your house, that wire is open to outside your house, in fact it all goes down a big pipe to everyone. or every third person on a 3 phase. Maybe the signal doesnt go that far but it open nonetheless.

Easy solution here is to use a docking station. Then any laptop could be plugged into that.

WiFi done properly is just as secure.

[barry1010]

But the wiring has to be on the same ring for a powerline to work, young. Some houses have two or more rings and if your router is on one ring and your second powerline plug is on another they simply won't connect.

[fourteen85]

Barry at 8.21 thanks for the link, very informative

[Etch]

barry1010 - this article (and others found by googling) concludes that powerlines WILL work on different rings/circuits:
https://homenetworkgeek.com/do-powerline-adapters-need-to-be-on-the-same-circuit/

[barry1010]

Etch, they don’t work on my different rings

[Etch]

Fair enough barry1010, I realised after I posting that I should have said "CAN work", i.e. not guaranteed to work