Provide Wi-Fi link to additional devices through a PC using Ethernet cable
Provide Wi-Fi link to additional devices through a PC using Ethernet cable
I have a PC that isn’t close to any Ethernet cables in my home, and installing one isn’t possible. I got a Wi-Fi card and it functions perfectly—no delays or interruptions. However, I’d like more devices connected nearby without getting extra Wi-Fi for them. I already have an unused Ethernet port on the PC, which I’ve linked to a switch, and I’ve connected other computers there. Initially, I tried Windows sharing, but I could ping but not access file shares. It turns out the system was treating it as public, blocking everything. I had to run PowerShell commands to change its status to private and enable sharing. That worked until I restarted, then it switched back to public. After rebooting, it worked again when I re-plugged devices. For now, I’m worried about stability. This isn’t a permanent fix, but I’m looking for simpler alternatives. Ideally, I want the main PC to act as a NAT router using its Ethernet connection for devices on the switch, without needing direct network access from other locations. Are there easier methods to achieve that?
The optimal choice would be a suitable mesh network or a WiFi repeater. A repeater isn't advised for continuous WiFi broadcasting, though it may function with wired devices connected through it, sidestepping issues you face when linking directly to its signal. Personally, I prefer a router configured with OpenWRT in WDS Client mode (check if your primary router supports this, as it can be tricky nowadays). This integrates all linked clients into the main LAN. If your router lacks WDS support, opt for standard Client mode—this creates a separate LAN where connected devices can communicate and reach the internet, though they won't see every network activity. (Technically, some functionality remains possible, but NAT restrictions prevent automatic access to all services.)
I didn't mention needing a new software solution; I was looking for something that fits on my current PC without buying extra hardware. My setup seems to only function after restarting and adjusting the share settings, then changing the network type before connecting the server. Windows often blocks it. I was thinking about similar setups before, but I only have one spare AP—a Unify AP AC Lite. I don't remember why I gave up on that earlier; maybe it wasn't feasible or too complicated for that device. I'd prefer the network branch to be isolated from the rest of the network. I have two personal file servers and a gaming test system, and I'm already dealing with double NAT. Wouldn't it make sense to go all the way down to triple NAT? That would handle everything at the source. I’m not worried about issues with gaming behind double NAT, as that’s what matters most for me. To stray from my original post, I wondered if this is one of the CityFibre or similar services they offer. They placed it in the area when I moved out, so I didn’t ask about uploads. If that's the case, it's disappointing. What challenges does this country have with upload speeds?
It’s the standard Openreach FTTP setup, but I intend to move to CityFibre when my area is covered—thankfully they’re progressing quickly, offering Gigabit speeds in both directions at the same rate. The issue lies in finding the correct configuration; Windows often struggles with this, as support for such features isn’t always built-in. I genuinely think Windows networking deteriorates with each update, making it increasingly unreliable. I had to patch the firmware on my network adapter after a recent update caused crashes, which was quite annoying, especially since I’m not entirely sure if the fix worked. Using a router helps because it usually includes a solid switch, improving traffic flow between wired devices. The Unify AP AC Lite seems limited to a single Gigabit port, so you’d likely need a separate switch and a budget router for comparable performance.
It seems Cityfibre resellers list it as a 900M service, which made me curious about your experience. I plan to relocate again this year, and that could influence my next move. Back then, there were other software options available, but I haven’t explored this since dial-up was common. The Windows version performed better then. What I’m doing isn’t typical for average home users. The interface is poor, and it only functions properly if manually reset after each restart—it doesn’t save settings. The correct configuration remains intact, but it’s not working as intended. I already have a 2.5Gbe switch to aid file server transfers.