Request for assistance with networking solutions
Request for assistance with networking solutions
Hey everyone, just settled into a new place with some roommates (really exciting!). We used to have a pretty flexible setup with our cable provider, but now things are different at the new house. Our old apartment worked well for us, but here we’re dealing with limited options for wiring and wireless performance. Our gear includes a Motorola SB6580 and a Linksys Dual-band AC1200 (model not confirmed). The service speed we get is about 300mb/s, but our house is two stories and around 1500 sqft. A technician visited to set up the new place and install the hardware, but the coax lines inside aren’t strong enough for the signal we pay for—only the direct line in the garage works. The modem and router are currently on a workbench upstairs. Sparklight said they’d try to reroute some lines later, but because of COVID, it’s delayed for now. This wouldn’t be too bad if the router could be placed more centrally, and we didn’t need a dedicated ethernet connection. My rig also lacks built-in WiFi, and my roommates’ setups don’t have it either. I’m working from home, so even with a built-in router, I’m on the opposite side of the house, getting only about 6mb/s.
I’m thinking about these ideas: using a Powerline Adapter to connect the router inside for some hardwired access, keeping the modem in the garage, using wireless adapters for everything else, and adding another router inside as an extender or switch (maybe with a bit of tweaking). I’m looking for the most affordable and effective way to boost WiFi and get at least one rig properly wired. Any tips would be super helpful—I’m still getting the hang of this!
Well, it comes down to what you need. For a fast, short-term fix, purchase premium coaxial cables—especially if your router supports a coax port. Then install a coaxial PCIe card. If your router lacks this feature, opt for Cat5e cabling and connect it from your device to the opposite end of the house. Powerline adapters are another option I’d suggest next, and if none of these work, you might need to consider alternatives.
Warning about the cable you connected. The one you linked is CCA Ethernet, which doesn’t meet the required standards. CCA uses copper-clad aluminum and is typically seen as low-quality, often sold cheaply to cut costs. It’s also quite brittle and likely to snap easily.
I'm new to this area and have limited experience. Could you provide a reference for a non-CCA cable?
Be cautious, as some terms vary and not all listings use the same spelling. Occasionally products don’t mention it outright, but reviews often reference it. Here’s a reliable copper cable option: https://smile.amazon.com/Monoprice-1000F...B001VPLSE0
Typically there’s just one two-way splitter at the main entry point. One side handles the Internet, while the other connects to your TV or additional splitters for multiple devices. The fewer splitters between the cable and your modem, the weaker the signal it receives. You might be able to trace the coax path and count the splitters along the way from where the cable arrives at your home to where your modem is located.