When it comes to home improvement, adding Ethernet ports is a must-have. Not only will this make your devices able to connect more easily, but it’s also a great way to save power. Ethernet ports are important for both digital and physical devices. But the question remains; how do you add Ethernet ports to house?
Ethernet cables allow you to connect multiple devices to your network and be used as a switch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps needed to add Ethernet ports to your home and more. Keep reading.
How Do You Add Ethernet Ports In Your Home?
This process is straightforward if you know what to do. Here are some things you need to consider and steps to follow to add Ethernet ports successfully.
Some of the things to consider include;
Budget
Before you start, it’s important to consider your budget. If you have a small home, you might not need to add many ports. On the other hand, you may need several ports if you have a large home or an office. This means you’ll buy several things, including more ethernet cables like Jadaol cat6 cable, among others. Preparing a budget in advance helps you save a lot when you commence the project.
The Devices You Want To Connect
This is important because you need to know what you’ll be using the ports. For example, if you’re only planning on connecting a single device to the internet, then an Ethernet port will suffice. However, if you want to connect several devices (e.g., desktop PC, laptop, and smartphone), it might be good to use a switch.
Additionally, consider the placement too. You may also want to consider the size of your network. Make sure that your Ethernet ports are compatible with your devices. If they’re not, you can buy adapters or cables that will enable you to connect your devices.
The Total Number Of Ports You Require
This is important because it determines how many devices can be connected at any one time. For example, if you want to connect two devices via Ethernet port (e.g., desktop PC and laptop), all required is a 2-port switch with 4 ports total (i.e., 2 ports per device).
Typically, switches come with more ports than you’ll actually need. Thus, it’s important to consider your future needs and plans for the network.
Consider The Type Of Ethernet Port To Use
There are three types of Ethernet ports: Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000Mbps, and 100-base-T. The Gigabit Ethernet port is most commonly used in digital devices and is the standard for connecting to the internet. 10/100/1000Mbps ports can be used for devices that require a higher speed than 100-base-T, such as video cards or gaming machines. 100-base-T ports are typically used in wired networking and allow for faster connections between computers and phone adapters.
Ways To Add Ethernet Ports to Your House
Now that you have the requirements, here are some suitable ways to add more Ethernet ports.
Add Ports With an Ethernet Switch
If you’re looking to add Ethernet ports to your home, the first step is to find a switch. A switch allows you to connect multiple devices to your network, perfect for adding Ethernet ports. There are many different switches available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. You can consider TP-Link TL-SG105.
Once you have a switch, it’s time to start connecting devices. You’ll need to create an Ethernet port on your device to do this. Most devices come with Ethernet ports pre-installed, but if not, you can purchase one online or from a hardware store. Once your device has an Ethernet port, you can connect it to the network.
Place the Switch in a Different Room
If your devices are spread out around your home, it’s important to place the switch in a different room so that each device can have its Ethernet port. This will save you both time and money. You can also place the ports on the wall to save space. By placing them on the wall, you won’t have to clutter your room with multiple ports.
Why Not Try Mesh Networking?
If you are looking to add Ethernet ports to your house and want an easier solution, you may consider using a mesh network. A mesh network is a system of devices that work together to create a single network.
This can be a great option if you have a large house or have trouble getting a good signal in certain parts of the house.
An example of an ideal mesh network to try includes an eero mesh wifi router. It is highly affordable and comes with dual Ethernet ports on every router. Therefore, by having several of these, you have enough ports in your house already.
Use of Powerline Adapters
Another option for adding ethernet ports to your house is to use powerline adapters. Powerline adapters use the electrical wiring in your house to create a network. This can be a great option if you don’t want to start ripping your walls off to extend the cables to different areas.
One of the best powerline adapters on amazon is TP-Link AV2000 Mini Powerline Adapter Starter Kit. If you’re on a budget, you can give it a shot but still want to have additional ethernet ports in your house. Another great option is TP-Link AV1300 Extender.
The Benefits Of Adding Ethernet Ports To Your Home
There are many benefits to adding Ethernet ports to your home. Here are a few examples:
- Ethernet ports can help save power: You can connect more devices to your network when you add Ethernet ports. This will help you save power as you connect devices to the network.
- Ethernet ports can be used as a switch: By using Ethernet ports, you can connect multiple devices to your network simultaneously. This is great for controlling devices in your home from one place.
- Ethernet ports can be used for digital and physical devices: If you have a digital device that needs to be connected to the internet, adding an Ethernet port is a great way to do it.
Conclusion
Adding ethernet ports to your house can give you a better internet connection and more flexibility when using devices. There are a few things to consider when adding ethernet ports. Following the above tips can easily add more Ethernet ports in your house with minimal effort.