Question:

What is the best way to install Ethernet cable in a long apartment to improve wifi coverage?

I live in a long apartment where the router is located at one end and the wifi signal is very weak at the other end. I have tried using a wifi extender but it did not work well. I have heard that running Ethernet cable from the router to another device can help, but I am not sure how to do it or what device to use. I need some expert advice on how to plan and execute this project. Thank you.

Answer:

If you live in a long apartment where the wifi signal is weak at one end, you may be wondering how to improve your internet connection without drilling holes or spending a lot of money. One possible solution is to install Ethernet cable from your router to another device that can extend the wifi coverage. In this article, we will explain how to do this step by step, and what device to use for the best results.

Step 1: Choose a device to extend your wifi coverage

There are different devices that you can use to extend your wifi coverage using Ethernet cable. The most common ones are:

• Access point: An access point is a device that creates a new wifi network using the same internet connection as your router. You can connect it to your router using Ethernet cable, and place it at the other end of your apartment where you need better wifi signal. You can configure the access point to have the same or a different name and password as your router’s wifi network. The advantage of using an access point is that it can provide a strong and stable wifi signal, and you can have more control over the settings. The disadvantage is that you may have to switch between different wifi networks manually, depending on where you are in your apartment.
• Wifi extender: A wifi extender is a device that repeats the wifi signal from your router, and amplifies it to reach farther areas. You can connect it to your router using Ethernet cable, and place it halfway between your router and the other end of your apartment where you need better wifi signal. You can configure the wifi extender to have the same name and password as your router’s wifi network, so you don’t have to switch between different networks. The advantage of using a wifi extender is that it can provide a seamless wifi experience, and you don’t have to change any settings on your router. The disadvantage is that it may reduce the speed and quality of your wifi signal, and it may interfere with other wifi devices in your area.
• Powerline adapter: A powerline adapter is a device that uses the electrical wiring in your apartment to transmit internet data. You can plug one powerline adapter into a power outlet near your router, and connect it to your router using Ethernet cable. Then, you can plug another powerline adapter into a power outlet near the other end of your apartment where you need better wifi signal, and connect it to a wifi device such as an access point or a wifi extender. The advantage of using a powerline adapter is that it can avoid the obstacles and interference that may affect the wifi signal, and it can work well in long distances. The disadvantage is that it may not work well if your electrical wiring is old or faulty, and it may depend on the quality of your power supply.

Depending on your budget, preference, and apartment layout, you can choose the device that suits your needs best. You can also use a combination of devices, such as a powerline adapter and an access point, or a powerline adapter and a wifi extender, to optimize your wifi coverage.

Step 2: Install the Ethernet cable from your router to your device

Once you have chosen the device to extend your wifi coverage, you need to install the Ethernet cable from your router to your device. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Measure the distance: Before you buy the Ethernet cable, you need to measure the distance between your router and your device, and add some extra length for flexibility. You can use a tape measure or a laser measure to do this. You also need to consider the route that you will take to run the cable, and avoid any sharp bends or obstacles that may damage the cable. You can use a stud finder or a wire tracer to locate any hidden wires or pipes in your walls that you need to avoid.
• Choose the cable type: There are different types of Ethernet cable that you can use, depending on the speed and quality of your internet connection. The most common ones are:
• Cat5e: Cat5e stands for Category 5 enhanced, and it can support up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) of data transfer. It is the most widely used and affordable type of Ethernet cable, and it can work well for most home internet connections.
• Cat6: Cat6 stands for Category 6, and it can support up to 10 Gbps of data transfer. It is more expensive and durable than Cat5e, and it can reduce the interference and crosstalk that may affect the signal quality. It is recommended for high-speed internet connections, such as fiber optic or cable.
• Cat6a: Cat6a stands for Category 6 augmented, and it can support up to 10 Gbps of data transfer over longer distances than Cat6. It is the most advanced and expensive type of Ethernet cable, and it can provide the best performance and reliability. It is suitable for very high-speed internet connections, such as gigabit or higher.

You can choose the cable type that matches your internet speed and budget. You can also choose the cable color that blends in with your apartment decor, or that stands out for easy identification. You can also choose the cable length that fits your needs, or you can buy a bulk roll of cable and cut it to the desired length using a wire cutter or a cable stripper.

• Run the cable: After you have bought the Ethernet cable, you need to run it from your router to your device. There are different ways to do this, depending on your apartment layout and your preference. Some of the common ways are:
• Along the baseboard: You can run the cable along the baseboard of your walls, and use cable clips, nails, or staples to secure it. You can also use a utility knife or a chisel to make a small groove in the baseboard, and tuck the cable inside. This is a simple and discreet way to run the cable, but it may not work well if you have carpeted floors or curved walls.
• Along the ceiling: You can run the cable along the ceiling of your walls, and use cable clips, nails, or staples to secure it. You can also use a drill or a hammer to make small holes in the ceiling, and fish the cable through. This is a neat and efficient way to run the cable, but it may require some tools and skills, and it may damage your ceiling.
• Through the walls: You can run the cable through the walls of your apartment, and use wall plates, jacks, or outlets to connect it. You can also use a drill or a saw to make holes in the walls, and fish the cable through. This is a professional and elegant way to run the cable, but it may require some tools and skills, and it may damage your walls. You also need to check with your landlord or your building manager before you do this, as it may violate your lease agreement or your building code.
• Under the carpet: You can run the cable under the carpet of your floors, and use a carpet knife or a seam ripper to lift the carpet and tuck the cable underneath. You can also use a fish tape or a coat hanger to guide the cable under the carpet. This is a hidden and convenient way to run the cable, but it may not work well if you have thick or padded carpet, or if you have furniture or appliances on the carpet.

You can choose the way that works best for your apartment and your preference. You can also use a combination of ways, such as running the cable along the baseboard in one room, and through the wall in another room, to optimize your cable installation.

Step 3: Connect the Ethernet cable to your router and your device

After

you have run the Ethernet cable from your router to your device, you need to connect it to both ends. Here are some tips on how to do this: