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Forum Discussion
mimibighead
Mar 19, 2023Follower
How to connect Ethernet to Wifi 6 Mesh Network
I just bought an Orbi 960 with 2 satellites. My old network had a satellite that was closer to some devices requiring Ethernet cables to be plugged in. Now that I only have 2 satellites I don't have anywhere to plug in the ethernet cables.
Is there a way or device to connect those ethernet cables to the network WITHOUT having to buy another Orbi 960 satellite (wifi range is great so just need ethernet connectivity.
Can someone in the know help please?
Thanks
3 Replies
You could pick up a range extender. they'll connect to the network and you'd be able to use the ethernet port. I've done that for devices needing an ethernet connection and not being near one
You're asking about what is called a "wireless access point" (WAP) or "wi-fi to ethernet bridge" or "wi-fi to ethernet adapter", i.e., something that connects a wired (ethernet) device to a wireless network. These are usually inexpensive and consider how speedy this wired device needs to be, since higher-end WAPs cost more than low-end WAPs. For example, a wired printer doesn't need Wi-Fi 6 speeds. WAPs do not extend your wireless network (like your Orbi satellites) and simply connect to it.
Also, most wi-fi routers can also act as a WAP. Do you have any older, unused wi-fi routers laying around that you can use as a wi-fi bridge?
Mikey94025 wrote:
consider how speedy this wired device needs to be,
This is indeed the critical factor. WiFi extenders are never going to match the performance of wired Ethernet, especially on the lower end of the price range. So, this is not a great way to connect a PlayStation or Xbox.
The router is probably "stuck" as far as physical location goes. With satellites being portable, it might be worth locating one of the new satellites to service those devices needed Ethernet connection and see if there is a location for the other satellite that provides good coverage for the rest of the house.