Can I run 2 smart tvs and laptop off 1 ethernet?

gord115

The wireless function of my BT router isn't very good and the router is positioned upstairs.

I have also tried "homeplugs"but they were rubbish.

I have one ethernet cable that runs down stairs and I have to plug this either into my Smart TV or my Laptop.

Now though we want another smart TV in the other room.
Is it possible to get the signal to all three together instead of one at a time?

I am fed up of plugging/unplugging my ethernet cable
I don't want to have to run 3 cables all the way up to the router.(which doesn't have the free sockets anyway)

Any help appreciated.

HereToday

Netgear Universal Wi-Fi Internet Adapter

There are three options under that link.

Coveredinbees!!!!

What is wrong with your wireless? My sister complained about hers being useless but the problem was a channel clashing with a neighbours wifi. I use inssider to check I'm on the best channel.

If you want to use cables you can get a switch and plug your 1 existing wire in to that and then the other devices to the other channels of the switch.

closed

move the router downstairs, or diagnose the wireless problem

HereToday

So if you live in a huge mansion......get a better router or use the Ethernet cable to link to another Wireless Router(look here) downstairs and run the peripherals wirelessly.

kes4026

If your wireless signal is no good and you can't move your router as others have suggested, and you also mention you have no more spare ports on your BT router, which suggests you have other devices upstairs connected via Ethernet? Then yes you can 'split' your Ethernet feed that is running downstairs


You will need an unmanaged switch - This comes with a number of Ethernet ports, you would put your Ethernet cable coming from upstairs into one of the ports on the switch, then you would run additional Ethernet cables from this box to all the other devices.


Here is a link to a 5 port switch - This would allow you to connect 4 devices downstairs (1 port is used for your incoming cable from your BT router)


http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FNFSPY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000FNFSPY&linkCode=as2&!!!!!eztrader-21


Here is a 8 port switch - This would allow you to connect 7 devices downstairs.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000MGBOHA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000MGBOHA&linkCode=as2&!!!!!eztrader-21


Using an unmanaged switch would give you what you was asking for, and is VERY easy to setup as you basically just plug the cables in and the box sorts everything out. You are also not going to suffer any possible wireless dropouts as everything is through a cable. Although the drawback is you will have numerous Ethernet cables running from switch to all your devices downstairs.


As well as the switch box you will obviously need additional Ethernet cables to run to each device you wish to connect downstairs.




The other option is to use a wireless access point, which you can connect your Ethernet feed that is running downstairs. This can then be setup to extend your wireless range downstairs. These normally come with spare Ethernet ports as well, so you have the option of connecting wired or wirelessly. These do normally require a little bit more work to set up, but you do gain the advantage of boosting your wireless signal downstairs.

gord115

Thanks Kes,the 5 port switch looks exactly what I need.
Someone else however says this one would be good

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/dp/B000N99BBC

What do you reckon?

Mr_Toad

I live in an apartment in an old manor house, built when Henry VIII was king. Wireless is a bit hit and miss as the walls are three foot thick!

I use powerline adapters to rooms where I need ethernet and a small 4 port switch for TV, XBox etc. They are superb and I can recommend them enough.

kes4026

gord115 wrote: »

Thanks Kes,the 5 port switch looks exactly what I need.
Someone else however says this one would be good

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/dp/B000N99BBC

What do you reckon?

Yes, that one is good as well and will do the same job and be just as easy to setup


It is also a Gigabit switch which future-proofs the network - It can transfer data at 1,000 Mbps, whereas the couple of switches I showed you transfer at the 10/100 Mbs rates.


You'll probably find that your router and current devices use the 10/100 Mbs system, so you wouldn't get any immediate benefit out of the Gigabit switch, but it will work perfectly well with the current setup, and also handle any upgrades in the future

gord115

Thanks every one,I have now ordered, will let you know how I get on.

almillar

Before spending any money, make sure you're not fighting with your neighbours for wireless bandwidth.
There are 13 (or 14?) wireless 'channels' that you can use. Similar to radio stations, if signals are too close, they can interfere with each other. You want to TRY to be 3 channels away from another one.
If you've got an Andriod or iOS device, download WiFi Analyzer (sorry for the American spelling) which will show you the WiFi networks around you, their strength, and channel. Try to find a gap.
You can then log into your router, and tell it what WiFi channel to use, usually under Wireless Settings or similar. No setup needed on any of the WiFi devices connected to it.