HOT PROPERTY
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THE RIGHT WAY TO SET UP HOME ETHERNET
Wireless
Wireless connectivity has certainly made life more convenient over the past 20 years, allowing us to easily download and upload data from our devices without the need to plug in a cable. That comes in especially handy when you’re not at home.
Aproblem arises when Wi-Fihome networks and routers can’tdistribute data efficientlyfromroom to room.This can cause ameeting on your tabletinthe kitchen to glitch up or amovie playing in your daughter’s bedroom maysuddenlystop.
The solution?Consider hardwiring essential non-portable devices,when possible, via ethernetcables that connect back to your router or modem.
Hardwiring devices that depend on higher speeds (such as your home media server or smart TV)orextremelylow latencyor transmission time (likeatelephone or device that makes calls over theinternet) can overcome manyofthe inherent weaknesses of wireless,according to Mark Rapley, director of operations at Ontario,Canada-based KWIC Internet.
“The familyroom or recroom is an ideal spotfor hardwiring with ethernet. Forexample, youcan hardwireyour TV,receiver, streaming device, and game console to an ethernetpatch panel or amulti-port ethernet switch that’sconnected to your router,” he says.“This frees up valuable wireless spectrum for devices that can’tbehardwired, such as smartphones,tablets,and Wi-Fisecurity cameras.”
Other areasthat aregood candidates for ethernetconnectivity include home offices, kitchens,areas with adesktop computer,and basements or attics whereaWi-Fisignal may notpenetrate sufficiently.
To install, you’ll likelyneed to drill holes through walls to getthe cable whereit’s needed, and then securethe cable. This process needs to be done carefullyand safely, so consider hiring aprofessional.
If going DIY,besuretopurchasequality ethernetcable, as cheaper cables aremore prone to failure. Pick acolor that matches the color of your baseboard, whereyou will securethe cable.
- CTW Features
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Installing ethernet cable can free up Wi-Fi bandwidth for mobile devices. Photo courtesy of Content That Works
