Have you ever been in a situation where you have WiFi but no Ethernet cable? Or maybe you have an Ethernet cable, but it’s too short for where you need to use it? In that case, a WiFi extender is just what you need! These handy devices work as a bridge between your wireless router and your devices. Connect your device to the extender wirelessly, and then plug the extender into your router via an Ethernet cable. Now from any device connected to the WiFi extender, you can access the internet wirelessly with no problems.
So can I plug an Ethernet cable into a WiFi extender? Yes! This post will discuss all of the different ways this can be done and how to do it right.
The Pros of Plugging an Ethernet Cable into a WiFi Extender
One of the best benefits of plugging your Ethernet cable into a WiFi extender will allow you to have more range. If your router is in one room and you need it elsewhere, the WiFi extender will access an Ethernet cable wherever you are.
Additionally, if your wireless connection is not working well for some reason, the extender will offer a wired connection. This can be incredibly helpful when updating the software on a laptop or tablet. The hardwired connection may provide better speeds and stability than a wireless connection.
The Cons of Plugging an Ethernet Cable into a WiFi Extender
WiFi extenders come in handy when you’re experiencing problems with your wireless connection. For example, maybe you have a large house and can’t reach the furthest part of your house with WiFi. Using an extender will plug the gap and give you a strong wireless connection anywhere in your home.
However, there are some cons to plugging an Ethernet cable into a WiFi extender. It will mean that you only have one device plugged into the ethernet port of the extender. You won’t be able to share your connection between multiple devices, like gaming consoles or smart TVs. Additionally, suppose someone is streaming HD videos on their laptop, and someone else is doing homework on their laptop on the other side of the house. In that case, those two people will not be able to use the same WiFi network at the same time if they are both plugged into an Ethernet cable as opposed to one person being plugged into an Ethernet cable and one person being connected wirelessly.
How to Use a WiFi Extender with an Ethernet Cable
There are a few different ways to plug an Ethernet cable into a WiFi extender.
The first way would be to buy an Ethernet to WiFi Extender Adapter. These adapters are small devices that allow an Ethernet cable to plug into the WiFi extender without any issues. Once it is plugged in, you can access your internet wirelessly from any device connected to the extender.
Another way of using a WiFi extender with an Ethernet cable is by connecting the two with Cat 5e or Cat 6 ethernet cables. This can be done by either running a new line from your router to your WiFi extender or using an existing line if it’s within the range of both devices. Either way, with this method, you will need to disconnect the Ethernet cable from your router and plug one end into the extender and then connect it back into your router at the other end.
The last way to use a WiFi extender with an Ethernet cable is by connecting them both wirelessly using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). This works for some routers but not all, so make sure you check beforehand if this will work for yours!
Conclusion
An Ethernet cable can be plugged into a WiFi extender to create a wired connection. However, the Ethernet cable will only work if the WiFi extender is set up correctly. With this type of connection, you will need to turn on the WiFi extender’s WPS button and enter the Ethernet cable password. If you are experiencing difficulties, an Ethernet cable can also be plugged into a router.
