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Adiuvo's avatar
Adiuvo
Aspirant
Oct 09, 2014

Possible to turn of wireless function, but keep Ethernet function?

Hi.
I apologize in advance for any grammar og other mistakes I might make.
Short story:
I want to turn off the wireless function, but keep the Ethernet function. I realize this might be an incredibly stupid question, but so far I cannot find anyone with an understandable answer or solution.. I hope someone here can help me!


Full story:
I bought a Wireless Range Extender a couple of months ago. It works perfect, everything about it is great, but the other people using the network I'm extending are having some issues. We checked without ISP and they told us that my signal is interfering with theirs, thus making their connection and speed a lot worse. This is why I'm wondering, is there a way to turn off the wireless function but keep the Ethernet solution. I realize that it is a Wireless Extender, but I'm hoping it is possible. (Not expecting, though)

Whether you have a solution or not, thanks! I would appreciate if someone told me if it is possible or not.

3 Replies

  • How would a wireless extender function if the wireless were turned off? The difficulty I have is in understanding how you wish to have it function if the wireless is turned off. Now - you haven't told us which wireless extender you are using - and quite frankly I'm also having a difficulty in understanding how/why the extender would/could be interfering with the network you're extending, and why the ISP thinks your signal is interfering with theirs. Maybe I'm missing something, maybe the ISP is doing something unusual, but, in general, wireless extenders don't cause problems for the network they are extending (it wouldn't be much point in having them if they did), so I'm curious as to what the problem the other users are experiencing is and why the ISP feels that your extender is the cause. Under normal circumstances, a wireless extender is configured to repeat the existing signal, so it will be on the same channel as the network it is extending, and can theoretically interfere, however, the WiFi standards that dictate how the devices interoperate make provision for this, and whilst contention for bandwidth, it is no worse than if there was another Wifi network on the same frequency.
  • I do not know. I apologize for you not understanding, I'll try to explain better. :) The Extender model is WN2500RP. I live with my family (I'm 17). And for some reason, the connection in my room is completely ****. I used to get a signal to my room, allowing me to use the wireless antennas on my computer to get a signal and innternet. After a while, it got slower and slower and in the end, it stopped. So I had to live without internet on my desktop computer for 6 months or more. I even formatted (Correct word? I reset to factory settings, if that is correct? Sorry.) my desktop, but that did not work. If I moved my computer downstairs, where our router is, it would work, but when I got back to my room it did not work anymore. Approx. 6 months ago, I bought a WiFi Extender (Model: WN2500RP) and all was well. Until the signal, allegedly, interferes (?) with out main router. I do not understand how it is possible, but my stepdad spoke to our ISP, and he had to change the password for the internet (so that I would not use my extender) and test his speed and stuff that our ISP told him to do. When he was done he told me the new password, I connected and got set up, and he messaged me when it was done and told me he could not use the AppleTV because of how slow it is. I'm now hoping there's a way to turn the WiFi function off, so that I can just use my Ethernet connection. What sucks about that is that I get **** speed on my phone and other devices in my room. Please answer, I greatly appreciate it.
  • Adiuvo wrote:

    Approx. 6 months ago, I bought a WiFi Extender (Model: WN2500RP) and all was well. Until the signal, allegedly, interferes (?) with out main router. I do not understand how it is possible, but my stepdad spoke to our ISP, and he had to change the password for the internet (so that I would not use my extender) and test his speed and stuff that our ISP told him to do.


    IF what your stepdad did was change the password for the internet, it would have no effect on your extender, however, if what your stepdad did was change the encryption key for the WiFi (which some people sometimes refer to as the password), then your extender would not be able to connect - however - if the extender was still powered on, it would still be transmitting, and the signal would still be interfering.

    I'm going to suggest a few tests - starting with turning off the extender - and then using the OOKLA speed test (speedtest.net) on a computer downstairs to see what sort of throughput you get - obviously with the extender turned off it cannot be the source of interference.

    The next test would be to turn the extender, and leave all of your wireless devices turned off - which should mean that nothing is using the extender - and repeat the speed test - if there is a significant drop in performance, that would suggest some sort of interference.

    If there is no drop in performance, turn on your devices one by one, and test after turning on each one until you find what causes the drop in performance.

    It is entirely possible that the problem is not interference from the extender, but rather the quantum or amount of network traffic that you are utilizing - the ISP will limit the bandwidth available based on the contract, and if you are a heavy user for streaming or torrents, this will have an impact on what is available for other users.

    The speed test mentioned earlier will give an idea of how fast the ISP connection is, compare that (if you can) to what your stepdad is supposed to get, make sure he's getting it.


    I'm now hoping there's a way to turn the WiFi function off, so that I can just use my Ethernet connection. What sucks about that is that I get **** speed on my phone and other devices in my room.

    Please answer, I greatly appreciate it.


    If you have an Ethernet connection to your room you can replace the extender with a network switch which will not have WiFi - this might help if the problem is actually interference, but will make no difference if it's really about the bandwidth.