Many homes have a small attic or loft space that can’t support the weight of a full-size networking router. Even if your home has a larger floor plan, you may prefer to place your home network at an accessible location, such as your study or living room. Fortunately, extending an Ethernet cable is the simplest way to reach any area of your home without a router. Although there are other ways to extend your Ethernet network (such as using Wi-Fi hotspots), using an Ethernet cable is the most reliable and cost-effective solution.
How To Extend Ethernet Cable
1. Get the right tools for the job
You will need a few tools to complete this project. The most important tool is a pair of Ethernet cable cutters. You can find these at any hardware store or online.
2. Cut the Ethernet cable to the desired length.
The length of the Ethernet cable you cut depends on your network setup and how far you want to extend your network. If you are extending your network from one room to another, you will need to ensure that the distance between the two rooms is less than 100 feet (30 meters). If you are extending your network from one room to another in a different building, it is best if the distance between rooms is less than 50 feet (15 meters). If you are extending your network from one room to another in the same building, it is best if the distance between rooms is less than 25 feet (7 meters).
3. Connect an Ethernet patch panel or switch box.
If you have an existing Ethernet patch panel or switch box in your home, then connect it with an Ethernet cable and an Ethernet patch panel or switch box in another location where you want to extend your network. If there isn’t an existing patch panel or switch box in your home, purchase a new one and install it where needed.
4. Connect a power source.
Connect a power source to the Ethernet patch panel or switch box so you can use it as your router’s power supply. If you are using an existing patch panel or switch box, connect it with an Ethernet cable and connect it with another outlet in your home where you want to extend your network. If there isn’t an existing network connection in your home, purchase a new one and install it where needed. If you are using a new patch panel or switch box, connect it with an Ethernet cable and connect it with another outlet in your home where you want to extend your network. If there isn’t an existing network connection in your home, purchase a new one and install it where needed.
5. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the router/switch port on your router/switch box.
The last step is connecting the other end of the Ethernet cable from the patch panel or switch box to one of the router/switch ports on one of your routers/switches. Ensure all ports on both routers/switches have been configured for auto-negotiation (see Chapter 6 for more information about auto-negotiating).
6. Power up and test connectivity
Power up both routers/switches and test their connectivity by using the IP address of the router/switch you just connected to. If you have a new router/switch and are using it as your primary router/switch, configure its IP address on your computer by clicking on the Network menu in your browser and then selecting Set Up Network. If you are using an existing router/switch, connect it with an Ethernet cable and connect it with another outlet in your home where you want to extend your network. If there isn’t an existing network connection in your home, purchase a new one and install it where needed.
7. Power down the routers/switches
Once all tests are completed successfully, power down both routers/switches.
8. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to another router/switch port on another router/switch box (if desired).
9. Power up and test connectivity again
Power up both routers/switches again and test their connectivity by using the IP address of the router or switch that you connected to previously (the one that was connected to a patch panel or switch box). If all tests were successful, all connections should be appropriately made without errors.
Other TIPS To Extend Ethernet Cable
With a Network Extension Cord
Network extension cords are the easiest way to extend your Ethernet network. If you’re lucky, your internet service provider has given you a free extension cord to use with your router. If you have your extension cord, you’ll need to connect the Ethernet cables to the wall port and the patch panel. If you’re trying to connect two different devices, each with its Ethernet wall port, you’ll need to use patch panels. Connect the extension cord between the two patch panels, and you’re well!
With a Network Booster
A network booster is a simple device that improves the strength of your Ethernet network. These are popular for extending a Wi-Fi network, but they can also be used to boost your Ethernet connection. To connect a network booster to your Ethernet network, plug the booster into an Ethernet wall port. Plug the other end of the booster into your device’s Ethernet port. You can now toggle between your two connected devices in the booster’s settings.
With a Switch
A switch can be used to wire two Ethernet cables together, or you can stack multiple switches together to create a more robust network. Like a network booster, you can plug your switch into an Ethernet wall port and connect the Ethernet cables between your two devices. To stack multiple switches, connect the first switch to a wall port and then connect the other switches to the first switch. You can stack multiple switches vertically or horizontally to create a daisy chain of switches.
With a Router
A router can be used to extend an Ethernet network without the need for hardwired cables. However, it’s not the most reliable solution, and you shouldn’t rely on a router to extend your network for long-term use. If you have a built-in Ethernet port, you can plug one device into the router’s Ethernet port and then plug the other device into the router’s Wi-Fi port. This solution isn’t ideal because it relies on a Wi-Fi connection. If your devices lose connection because of a poor Wi-Fi signal, they won’t be able to communicate with each other. A better solution would be to plug both devices into the router’s Ethernet ports and connect them directly.
Tips For Successful Ethernet Cord Extending
- It would be best if you didn’t use the same Ethernet wall port for both devices when extending your Ethernet network. Ideally, it would help if you used a separate Ethernet wall port for each device. This ensures that the devices are getting enough power and aren’t competing for bandwidth.
- If you’re trying to connect two different devices with a router, use the router’s built-in Ethernet port. You can also plug both devices into the Ethernet ports and connect them directly. Never use the router’s Wi-Fi ports for this connection!
- Always use high-quality Ethernet cables when extending your network. This will give you the best connection and help reduce interference. If connecting devices with a router, use Category 6 (or above) Ethernet cables.
- When stacking switches, don’t stack more than two switches together. You don’t want these devices to interfere with each other and create more problems for your home network!
- While extending your Ethernet network, ensure your devices are plugged into a surge protector. This will protect your devices from dangerous power surges and keep them safe from electrical damage.
Final Words
Extending your Ethernet network is one of the simplest ways to share internet access and data between two different devices. You can extend your Ethernet network with a network extension cord, booster, switch, or router. Using any of these devices, you can extend your Ethernet network and share internet access in any part of your home! When extending your Ethernet network, ensure your devices are plugged into a surge protector. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a more expansive Ethernet network in your home.
