Is there a way of connecting ethernet cable to a port upstairs when router is downstairs?

CaptainRock

I am no expert in these matters so I will try to explain my situation and use the correct terminology.

For the last few years I've been with Plusnet for FTTC broadband.  I have a thin cable going up the stairs from the master socket, into an upstairs bedroom where the router is situated.

In the bedroom nextdoor I have a music room and the streamer I use does not have wifi so I need to connect by ethernet cable.

I was having a full fibre connection (Vodafone) installed on Monday 30th September 2024 by Cityfibre but due to having tiles on the upper part of the house, I was told they were unable to drill through them for the cable to go through into an upstairs bedroom.

I was so looking forward to having full fibre but I had to cancel my contract with Vodafone and have continued with Plusnet for 12 months.

What options do I have (if any) if the router for full fibre broadband is downstairs and I need to connect the streamer in one of the bedrooms by ethernet cable?

I was told a thick full fibre cable could be run up the stairs, but it would look ugly (which I agree) and it doesn't bend very well.

What I really want is to have no cable running up the stairs.

Emmia

Have you considered Ethernet over power? 

CaptainRock

Emmia said:

Have you considered Ethernet over power? 

Thanks for the reply but I'm not sure what you mean?

CaptainRock

What I really want is to have no cable running up the stairs if possible.

400ixl

You could go to a mesh network where you have a router and then satellite access points (AP's) which have ethernet ports.

Essentially the router and AP's talk to each other over a private wifi network and the AP's have ethernet ports to connect local devices. That way you do not need to have any cable going upstairs, as long as the wifi signal is strong enough between the mesh devices.

Deco or Eero are two good examples.

CaptainRock

400ixl said:

You could go to a mesh network where you have a router and then satellite access points (AP's) which have ethernet ports.

Essentially the router and AP's talk to each other over a private wifi network and the AP's have ethernet ports to connect local devices. That way you do not need to have any cable going upstairs, as long as the wifi signal is strong enough between the mesh devices.

This is nice to know.

I'm what you would call an audiophile.  Would the quality still be the same as if I was connecting directly from a router as I do now?

booneruk

CaptainRock said:

I'm what you would call an audiophile.  Would the quality still be the same as if I was connecting directly from a router as I do now?

Yes. You'll get the same 1s and 0s however the internet reaches your device. The only issue could be wifi signal strength, if you have a large house with thick walls. In the case of a poor wifi signal you could get disconnections/stutters.

A previous poster mentioned ethernet over power. The idea is you get two plugs with ethernet sockets that you can plug in wherever you want. The ethernet signal is bridged over your existing mains power: https://www.amazon.co.uk/powerline-adapters/b?ie=UTF8&node=430576031

Emmia

CaptainRock said:

Emmia said:

Have you considered Ethernet over power? 

Thanks for the reply but I'm not sure what you mean?

Ethernet over power allows you to use your power wiring in your house to have an internet connection, in areas away from your main router. You'll need some adapters to enable this - like the TP link devices below.

TP-Link TL-PA7017P KIT Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit, Data transfer speed Up To 1000 Mbps, Ideal for HD/3D/4K video streaming and Online Gaming, No Configuration required, UK Plug https://amzn.eu/d/fCCWU0n

Edit: we have a flat with walls the WiFi struggles to get through, and use this to allow computers etc., to connect reliably to the internet etc. works incredibly well and easy to install - literally a plug and play.

oldernonethewiser

"I was told a thick full fibre cable could be run up the stairs, but it would look ugly (which I agree) and it doesn't bend very well."

Thick cable?  What were they installing?

Should be thinner than the current set up. 

As for the connection in house I'm another that favours a Mesh system. 

Can give an ethernet port and enhanced wifi. 

CaptainRock

Thanks for the replies.

I think Mesh will be the way to go.

quartzz

We have an ethernet over mains adapter here too - like someone posted a link for - works fine - but it's connected to a desktop not a laptop and needs the physical wire - which might be what you have anyway.

Just to throw some 2 cents into the ring, is buying a new streamer that has WiFi a possibility? I don't know how much they cost but if it's in the £40 range it might be worth getting it as a new gadget