Internet via Ethernet cable?

Question

Hi.
Currently, the only way of connecting to the internet via my desktop is via wi-fi. The wireless modem is further away and thus the signal is weaker where i am. However, I have an ethernet cable as well as a port from my room so I'm wondering, can I get internet if I simply connected the ethernet cable from the port to my desktop? Would it screw up the internet for the modem since I'm using 2 separate ports (I think I screwed it up once but I'm not sure whether it was because I did that).

Normally, the speed via wi-fi is fine for me. But occasionally, I cant connect to the internet because something's not working (I'm not sure why even though I've changed my wireless modem and the problem is still there) and I have an important thing I need to stream next week which is why I want to know whether I can get internet via an ethernet cable to reduce the chances of me not getting an internet connection if my wireless modem fails.

Sorry if I'm not very specific enough as I'm not a tech expert.

Answer 1

Hey there,

I am a bit confused.. you get an interrupted WiFi signals because you are far (or something gone wrong with it) but you have an Ethernet cable long enough to reach where you are.. that's not right..



Most WiFi modem can go further than 10 meters even with obstacles like walls and closed doors..

Let me ask you this, do you get a one bar or two in the WiFi reception icon (the measure of strength of your WiFi signals),? Or do you get interrupted signals, for example, you have full bar or near full bars signal that suddenly disappear to none?

Also, do you get the same problem with other devices, laptops, phones, pads or is it just your computer that is facing problem?



Using Ethernet and WiFi at the same time do not spoil the modem.. if it happened before, it means that the modem has reached its expiry date.. its not you, its the manufacturer that sold you that cheap modem, so buy another brand..



Some people may advise WiFi Extenders (or WiFi Repeaters), that basically relay the signal from the modem and transmit them back.. so you would have a further range for WiFi signals..

DO NOT GET THOSE devices.. you have a better value to buy and use the Ethernet cable..



WiFi extenders basically receives the WiFi signal from the modem, then transmits the signal back on the same antenna.. Really, if you ever paid attention to the Physics class (if you had one, how old are you?!), physics teaches us if you have two sources transmitting the same signal at the same time, you will have 'interference' in the signals..



During the Gulf war, Allied forces focused their radio and TV stations (as part of the propaganda) to the Iraqi people.. so what Saddam government did, is they matched their radio broadcast stations on the SAME radio frequency to transmit annoying sounds.. thus, blocking the Allied forces radio and television..



The repeaters signals will interfere with the modem signals because they match the same radio frequency signal..

the other thing is that to avoid the Repeater from interfering with its own signal, the incoming and the transmitting signals are actually alternates with each other.. the transmission stops to receive the signals from the modem, and so on.. the result is, a reduction in the extended WiFi SPEED by 50%..



But back to the questions I asked you earlier.. if the WiFi doesn't reach you room because of the low signals (seeing a bar or two in the WiFi signal meter), by all means use the Ethernet cable..



However, may I suggest that you move the modem to the center of your home.. if the modem is at one corner of the house, just move it to the center of the house.. simple, isn't it?

And consider buying a new WiFi modem, there are many Modems that are designed to transmit further than regular modems..

simply go to the nearest computer shop and buy that is suitable for you..

Some new modems nowadays can reach miles away from source.. I won't recommend a brand, because you should choose the one that is cheaper in your area..



If the problem that the WiFi signal keeps on disconnecting on and off (sometimes good and bad).. there are three possibilities, that the modem is defective somehow or that you computer lacks something.. or something is wrong at the service provider..



If you keep seeing a yellow exclamation icon on the WiFi icon (seen in both MacOS (on top) and windows(right bottom next to the clock)).. it is possible that there is something is wrong with the internet service provider that you need to call the customer service..



Take any devices: a smart phone, an iPad or another computer, and use it few meters from the modem.. if the internet speed keeps on interrupting or the WiFi keeps on disconnecting and reconnecting.. something is definitely wrong with your modem or the service provider..

The customer service should instruct you to perform some tests (on the phone) to see whether the fault is at their center or at the modem level..



If it is just you, or just your computer that is suffering the problem..

It is possible that the network card (component) is physically broken that needs to be replaced (which is unlikely, they are usually strong built and one of the last computer components to fail in any computer)



However, it is very likely that the modem drivers need updates..

People do not realize this, but many computers use components from other manufacturers.. Sony, Acer, Dell etc.. Network component are usually made by a number of companies..

My computer is from Acer has a network card from Qualcomm Atheros, yours may not be the same..



To check the name of that device go to the 'Device Manager' (I am afraid I only use Windows, if you are on Mac, I can't help you much).. to go to the Device Manager, simply click start and type 'Device manager' in the search engine (you can look for it in the Control Panel)..



Double click on the icon named 'Network'.. a bunch of names pops up, the most importantly is the longest.. and jot down the make of the network device and the model number.. mine is called 'Qualcomm Atheros' model R5BMD222..



Now you can do two things..

You can double click on the device (mine is named Qualcomm Atheros), click on the 'Driver' tab and click on 'update this driver'.. unfortunately, I almost always don't get anything from that option..



The other is that you search for the latest driver over the internet (at cyber cafe or at your Friend's computer).. go to yahoo.com or Google.com and search for that model and make.. (example "download Qualcomm Atheros R5RMBD222 driver").. download it into a USB thumb/pen drive and transfer it to your computer.. and read the instructions to install that device..



The internet interruption by the outdated drivers are very common problems..

If any doubt do not hesitate to ask experts at the computer repair/service shop..



All the best

Answer 2

If the "port" in the wall is a full width RJ45 jack, standard for ethernet connections and not an RJ11 which is used for phones AND if the other end of that "port" is plugged into one of the LAN ports on the router, then yes, you could plug an ethernet cable into it and run off of that. But realize that you cannot simply split an ethernet cable like you can a phone cable. Basically, you have two choices given what you describe: either move the computer closer to the router or run an ethernet cable from the router. Streaming something important over a questionable WiFi signal isn't a wise thing to do.



Also, WiFi is affected by many things such as wall thickness and the stuff in the wall such as foil backing of insulation. On top of that, cordless phones, baby monitors, bluetooth, microwaves, and more are in constant competition for the same bandwidth.

Answer 3

If you have a modem it can not take more than one computer connection. If the modem also provides the wireless it is really a router as well. Many companies misname their equipment. So you shoud be able to connect the LAN cable to the machine safely. Plug it in and try.

Answer 4

Hi,



Yes you can get it from Ethernet cable as long as that port is open for internet you will be able to browse internet while you are using it on Ethernet disable your WiFi Lan adapter to avoid any network loop errors.



Good luck.