WiFi and Ethernet linked together, yet operating on distinct networks.
WiFi and Ethernet linked together, yet operating on distinct networks.
Your home setup has two distinct WiFi areas. The one near your PC in the basement works fine, but the printer connects to a higher floor network. You're wondering if you can link the basement network via Ethernet and use the upstairs WiFi for printing, since the latter is often less reliable. I'm here to help explain how to do that. I've noticed some unstable connections from the upper network, so a wired connection might offer more stability. Since you don't want to switch cables or purchase new equipment, Powerline Ethernet could be an option, though it's not common. Let me know your thoughts!
If they operate as separate networks, you should be able to link to each independently as you would with any regular network. I checked on my desktop, which usually uses Ethernet. I managed to connect through Wi-Fi to my phone’s hotspot at the same time, and both devices had internet access. Linking your basement network via Ethernet won’t resolve the Wi-Fi issues with the printer upstairs.
First, consider removing one of the WiFi routers unless they're linked to separate ISPs. If they share the same ISP, try using the mesh networking capabilities to strengthen the signal across floors, or connect the same AP model to the same ISP via wired Ethernet. The optimal setup likely looks like this: ISP → Switch → WiFi Router → Printer → Your PC Or ISP → Switch → Printer → WiFi Router → Your PC. In most cases, you should avoid using WiFi for devices without Ethernet options (like mobile phones or tablets) and connect battery-powered gadgets via wired connections instead. The issue usually stems from not utilizing WiFi APs and the router's default behavior to block LAN traffic. To simplify, switch to a direct connection: plug both routers together over Ethernet, treating them as switches. This avoids routing complications. If you must use WiFi, disable its AP features, set a static IP, and ensure no overlapping subnets. For advanced users, adjusting DHCP settings or using separate networks with fixed IPs can help, but be cautious of potential connectivity issues. My recommendation is to connect the devices directly via Ethernet whenever possible.
I was just talking about the internet setup. If Chrome, Discord, and printing work, that’s all good. Don’t you think a 60Mb upload is enough for school papers? (It changes from around 100kb to 60mb. That’s kilobits to megabits.) Let me begin by saying this: in short, I just read through it briefly. Thanks for what seems like a lot of time spent explaining this. While I can describe rocket engine fuel cycles, networking feels pretty mysterious to me. Also, I’m somewhat familiar with mesh networks. The top floor uses an Eero system, but it can’t reach the second floor (the main AP is on the second floor, while my PC is in the basement). My other two nodes are on the first floor, one right above where my PC sits. If I could use the upstairs Wi-Fi for printing and browsing, that would work. I just need to be able to stream YouTube in 1080p, open a few Chrome tabs, and chat on Discord. Third, replacing the hardware isn’t an option. There are no Ethernet cables running through the house, so that’s out. We do have coaxial cable, though. The split into two networks happened because it was set up before mesh systems were common. Ten years ago we had just the basement network, then we added an upstairs one for better coverage. Over time, the basement network faded and the upstairs one took over. The old basement router is still functional but isn’t working at all, though it’s still used by a couple of old Unix servers for my grandfather’s company. Whether they’re separate ISPs isn’t clear to me. I’m sure they use different modems. I’m aware this setup is pretty outdated, but updating the whole house isn’t feasible right now. I’m heading off to college in about a year and a half. I’m the only one who really uses the basement, while the rest of the house works fine.
It looks like you're questioning the need to split internet connections for the same home. In the long term, removing the basement setup could save money—either by installing Ethernet where needed or using a basic mesh network.
The idea of using two ISPs seems confusing. While some providers offer dual modems for cable connections, it's not common. Older cable boxes sometimes included a built-in modem, but modern CABLE systems usually connect directly to the TV via WiFi.
You have three main approaches:
1. **Two separate ISPs:** Use an Ethernet cable for one connection and a separate WiFi adapter for another. This works well if you have different IP addresses assigned.
2. **Single ISP with two routers:** Connect both Wi-Fi devices to the same network, link them via Ethernet on the switch, and disable DHCP on one router.
3. **One ISP with piggybacked Wi-Fi:** Reverse a second router to act as an Ethernet switch, though this requires custom firmware or mesh networking setups.
Option 1 is straightforward if you can manage different IPs. Option 2 simplifies setup by consolidating devices. Option 3 is more complex and usually needs special tools. Overall, it sounds like you're aiming for a multi-homed solution, which can be achieved with careful configuration.
If you have the ability to turn off the WiFi remotely, that's a viable choice. However, if the networks assign separate IP ranges (like 192.168.0.x and 192.168.1.x), you likely won't need to worry about it.