Extend Ethernet with multiple routers for improved connectivity.
Extend Ethernet with multiple routers for improved connectivity.
I’m planning to begin my online animation graduate program this fall, and my dad and I are considering reorganizing our dining room into my new office. Since I need strong hardware and a reliable internet connection for gaming, I’d like to have Ethernet available in the office. We recently replaced our old router’s wireless signal, but it still worked fine, so we have an extra router on hand. Near my office there’s an unused coax port from several years ago—we use Cox for both internet and cable, so it seems capable of handling a signal. I’m not sure if that would really help, but it could be useful.
My new router is much more powerful and offers more bandwidth, yet many devices still can’t use it fully. There’s also some signal loss because the router is on the opposite side of the house on the first floor, far from the building’s center. My dad’s computer only supports 2.4GHz, so even if we set up a second Ethernet connection, he wouldn’t benefit unless we can extend the wired link.
I’m not very familiar with networking compared to PCs, so I’m open to suggestions. Would it be possible to install a second Ethernet connection using the spare coax port? Or are there other options we should explore?
There are several options for handling the coax in this scenario: Install a separate modem, which separates the router networks and requires two service plans (unless discounts apply), or use MoCA adaptors that function similarly to powerline but via coax. MoCA 2.0 works alongside DOCSIS3 and TV signals on the same coax cable. Actiontec is the only consumer-grade MoCA 2.0 adaptor manufacturer. Consider upgrading to a Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi modem and adding a Panoramic extender for your office. This setup uses MoCA internally but simplifies the process compared to building it yourself. The Panoramic system offers performance similar to mesh Wi-Fi systems that rely on wired backhaul rather than wireless. The extenders include two gigabit Ethernet ports, and additional switches can be connected as needed.
Looking for the Adaptec bonded Ethernet adapter? This product is available on Amazon with the model ECB6200S02.