Ethernet sockets upstairs, how to get working?

nofoollikeold

The other end of both bedroom cables are very likely to be connected to the broadband router, or if there are more than 4 ethernet outlets, into an ethernet switch.  An ethernet switch is very likely to be close to the router.  The router is almost bound to be next to the master telephone socket or to a cable service point.

Swasterix

OnePound said:

neilmcl said:

OnePound said:

OK, there is a couple - Ill check up in the loft.

Where's the other one?

in another bedroom.

Are there any anywhere near your telephone socket/router?

cajef

OnePound said:

Hi, we have sockets upstairs and my son is now at an age to have computer connected in his room (not considered them before in 10 years living here). How would these normally connect up to the main router which is downstairs?  I’ve included a picture of the socket (I was checking they actually has wiring behind!)

Thanks!

That looks like a telephone extension socket not ethernet, try plugging a phone into it and the one on the other bedroom to see if there is a dial tone, you need to connect his computer by either Wi-Fi or run a separate Cat6 cable for ethernet from the router to his bedroom.

FreeBear

cajef said: That looks like a telephone extension socket not ethernet,

A telephone extension would be an RJ11 socket with, at most, six wires (but only two are needed). RJ45 uses 8 wires, which this one appears to have.

mwarby

You could try something like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cable-Tester-Wire-Tracker-Network-Telephone-Line-Tracer-Toner-Lan-Phone-RJ11-45/163697009823 the range isnt great but will give you an idea of what cables are connected to what

cajef

FreeBear said:

cajef said: That looks like a telephone extension socket not ethernet,

A telephone extension would be an RJ11 socket with, at most, six wires (but only two are needed). RJ45 uses 8 wires, which this one appears to have.

Yes on second look you are probably right pity we can only see the back of the plate, it does look as though there could be another socket or something above that box as there is a screw head that can just be see, I still think they could be better trying Wi-Fi. 

A_Lert

If you can use a cable you'll get a more reliable and faster connection than wifi. To be useful you'll want the phone connection and an ethernet socket in the same room, since your router plugs into both.

A network "toner" is the ideal tool for finding out what cable goes where, but decent ones are not cheap. Probably something you'd want to borrow rather than buy.

Otherwise, if you have two computers with ethernet port (ideally one of them a laptop) then it's time for some trial and error. Connect one computer to one socket and the other to another socket. If windows sees the cables as connected, you know that those two sockets are linked to each other.

It's entirely possible the sockets you have end up going to nowhere, if at some point the wires were cut or removed.

Swasterix

I’d be inclined to take the back box out and see if I can work out which way the cable goes. Could end up like that episode of Friends...

OnePound

Hi all thanks for the replies.  I have tested plugging in a Ethernet cable and it fits.  I have had a good look in the attic to see if I can trace the wire coming up but no luck. The tv area sockets seem to have a junction box up there with a booster, but no Ethernet type wires.  

There are phone sockets as well upstairs next to some of the Ethernet sockets. 

I will ask an electrician friend about the wire tracer and if they can help me. 

I think wifi will probably be the best option, any recommendations on the bast way to get gaming speed WiFi upstairs?  

troffasky

OnePound said:

I think wifi will probably be the best option, any recommendations on the bast way to get gaming speed WiFi upstairs?  

Use one of those ethernet sockets you've got to connect a wireless access point upstairs
Although I am being sarcastic, that is exactly what I would do.