Some people prefer using ethernet cables to connect to the internet because they have less interruptions compared to wireless connections. Typically, such connections are limited to only devices within 100 meters or 328 feet. But some situations require connecting devices outside that range. This is where ethernet extenders come in.
What Are Ethernet Extenders?
They connect 2 ethernet wires and are also referred to as network extenders, couplers, or LAN extenders and may be passive or active. They work by stretching and maximizing the ethernet network.
Using an extender is efficient and cost-effective because you can install it with copper wiring, which you may already have at home or in your office. The cable does not go beyond 100 meters but the extended cable transmits up to 20 km. It also enables high internet speed for both unmanaged and managed ethernet networks. The system is transparent as you can see everything going on within the network.
How Can You Enable Your Ethernet Extender?
The extender is very easy to enable. Simply get your connection hub ready, then connect one side of the cable to it. On the extender, you will see a port for ethernet; connect the other side of the cable to that port.
Make sure that both sides of the cable are attached firmly to the devices mentioned above before plugging the extender to an outlet. If your connection is good, the lights on the extender and the connection hub will power on.
Do You Lose Speed with an Ethernet Extender?
An ethernet extender has a very strong network connection. It utilizes electrical cables within the walls or ceiling of a building to facilitate its connection. As a result, it is a very good option for extending the network. But you must make sure that the devices you want to connect to the network are functioning properly and the extender is well connected.
Even when your extenders are working perfectly, other things may slow down your connection. You can read this article to know why your ethernet may become slow. As soon as you discover that your network is slow, use the tips below to get it back to speed.
Tip 1
Check whether the connections are correct, then reboot the computer. This will resolve any hardware and network issues, and the computer will operate seamlessly.
Tip 2
Sometimes the adapter may not function properly with the ethernet. Therefore, you may try resetting the network adapter. To do this, disable the connection, then reconnect it after a few minutes.
Your internet should become faster after trying tips 1 and 2. The network adapter has a troubleshooter that you can also use to scan and fix the problem. The troubleshooter pops a notification if it discovers any issues, then goes ahead to fix it or suggest possible solutions. Try not to interrupt the system when it is troubleshooting.
Tip 3
The connection hub may cause you to lose speed. In this case, switch it off and restart it after a few minutes. If the hub does not have a switch, remove the plug and fix it back, and then connect it to the power supply.
If this does not restore your network, then you should check whether the hub has a virus. Sometimes, hackers can access a connection hub to either tap into your network data or spy on what you do online. Here are signs that show your connection has been hacked:
- Your activities online are being redirected to unknown sites
- Your passwords have stopped working
- The apps on your computer keep crashing
- Multiple popups show on the desktop
- New software that you did not install appears on your desktop
You need to install a potent antivirus in order to secure the connection hub. Also, change your password and make it difficult for people to easily guess. Avoid using the same password for all your accounts.
For extra security, activate a two-factor verification setting, and avoid clicking on unverified links. You may want to check out https://www.networkworld.com/article/2175048/8-ways-to-improve-wired-network-security.html to find out other ways of securing your ethernet connection.
Tip 4
If your connection doesn’t work after securing the connection hub, then you need to try another hub or cable. The ethernet cable might affect your connection because its rating determines its output. If all the fixes discussed above do not still work, call a technician.
Things to Consider when Buying Ethernet Extender
Here are a few things to consider when you want to buy an ethernet extender:
Router Specifications
If the connection hub and extender have the same frequency, they will work efficiently as a pair. Hence, before making a buying decision, ensure that the specifications of both devices are a match. The extender should also have a microcontroller to detect errors as well as recover connections.
Quality of the Materials
Check the type of material the cable casing is made of. Metal withstands corrosion but if the casing is plastic, ensure it is of superior quality.
Category Rating
All extenders have different category ratings, and they determine the bandwidth of the extenders. This will also affect the speed of the connection. Hence, choose extenders with outputs that meet your requirement.
Physical Outlook
The available ports on the extender will determine how many devices can be connected to it. You can choose either desktop-based or plug-based extenders. The plug-based model only requires a wall socket while the desktop-based model requires enough space because you need to place it on a flat surface. Additionally, models that come with antennas require space that will contain the setup.
Security Features
The concept of ethernet extenders was first coined by Enable-It and the solutions were superior. However, a wired network is prone to various problems in addition to malware. Therefore, to keep it safe, update it regularly and utilize components that are not difficult to configure. It is important to keep extenders and their components away from other people when they are not in use.
Conclusion
Ethernet extenders are great options for extending ethernet connections over long distances. They maximize the network and do not allow users to lose internet speed. If you want optimum performance, purchase a good extender.
