connecting a network extender?

luthierwnc

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Apr 19, 2013
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Hi All, First post,

My house is in a valley with weak cell reception (from all the carriers I've tested). To boost the signal I have a Verizon network extender attached to the only Ethernet port on a wireless router via an RG-45 cable running through the basement -- the remnants of a wired LAN. It improves the signal acceptably if not well. The extender only has an Ethernet and a power jack. We are using cable for TV and ISP.

I'm putting in a Network Attached Server and will need that lone Ethernet port. The plan right now is to reroute the cable over to the TV area so we can use the USB 3.0 port on the NAS directly into the TV or Media server -- hopefully stronger/faster than scrambling it twice on the wireless network at streaming speeds. There are a couple tablets in the mix so a pure wireless solution isn't practical.

That leaves the extender (on the far end of the house from the TV) out in the cold. The first question is whether I can use the Ethernet port on the otherwise wireless computer to feed the extender. That would save some cabling issues and be free to boot. If not, can someone recommend a wifi-2-ethernet adapter that would economically get some signal to the extender? It isn't used much but I hate shouting into the phone. Any other ideas are welcome too.

Thanks for looking, sh
 
You can choose to done one of two things - first, and least expensive - purchase a unmanaged switch like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166057

You simply run ethernet cable to the components you want, and the switch will act like a "splitter" for the internet signal for your NAS/Media Server/TV and the Verizon Network Extender.

Option #2 - buy a wireless router like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320131

The wireless option will work just like the switch above with the Ethernet ports, but will also give you wi-fi access to all devices in your home that have wireless adapters.

The switch will run about $20-30, while a good router will run $100-150. You can buy the slower models (10/100 vs. 10/100/1000), but for streaming video, you will want the faster connections. The 10/100 will run about $10-20 for the switch, and $50-70 for the router.
 

luthierwnc

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Thanks ronintexas,

We've got RG-59 (could be RG-6) coming from the pole to the router so a new router would need that fitting. The two devices that would benefit most from a hard-wired feed are 60 feet apart. Putting the extender near the TV would kill whatever advantage it provides to using the phone in my office. Putting the NAS in my office means we still have those 60 feet of hillbilly northern-exposure to degrade the signal streaming to the Blu-Ray. Running separate wires would work better but that's what I'm trying to avoid.

I think I'm back to wifi-to-Ethernet. The signal to the extender probably doesn't have to be great but as it stands, but it only works with an RG-45 line.
 
The way it should be hooked up is the RG-59 to your modem, then an ethernet cable from the modem to the switch/router. Then run ethernet from the switch to the peripherals (or connect via wi-fi if you have the router).

If you go with the router, if the NAS is wireless, it should connect fine.
 

luthierwnc

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Thanks again. I'm upgrading a lot of my household and business equipment. While not completely ignorant I'm getting a lot of, "Oh, didn't you know that?" with the new technology. Today's episode was that with a new Galaxy S3 phone, email messages won't push through to the home computer. Work is still using a POP3 server so they still show on that box but I am supposed to use IMAP on the home machine and then, "Oh, didn't ..." that I can't get them to appear on this screen. Got a new computer coming tomorrow so there isn't much reason to mess with this one. Progress.

I appreciate your help and you may be hearing from me again. sh
 

satya_y26

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Hi,

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