Best budget reliable wifi bridge to convert home wifi to wired for an old TV.
A Roku streamer will do the job <$30. So will a mesh network node. I like my TP-Link Deco system. It includes 4 nodes. Better than when I bought it since they upgraded the firmware (auto) last year, to allow choice of band with each device. I am Amazon Prime and have 3 Rokus. One is used to access cable channels without paying monthly for a decoding box. Another is strictly for travel so I can watch movies anywhere on any TV. If the room has Samsung all I need is a flash drive and a universal remote. Roku has by far the most apps. |
Typically, you interface with your Roku device via your TV and Roku remote. Not so typical, would be to attend to the Roku device as an attached device via your router. In my own home theater setup I can access Netflix and Amazon prime via either my Tivo or my Roku (which is how I did it prior to getting the Tivo). But the Roku also allows me to get to other services which are not supported by my Tivo such as CBS All Access or Disney+. |
And this is why I still love this forum! I probably would never have thought of Roku as a solution but now I have researched some it is probably the best all round solution including keeping services updated. My tv has said for 3 years or so that no updates to software are available which is as likely the reason for it acting up on wifi, planned obsolecense! Just placed my order with Amazon, should be here Wednesday! Thanks to everybody for the thoughtfull answers! |
Plenty of WiFi boosters available on Amazon for $50 or less.There absolutely is! And as I said when you read the reviews it is quite concerning. What I am really looking for is a unit that has just one function, to join my wifi network and provide a wired signal, nothing more. My bedroom is only about 20 ft from the wifi router on the same floor so no signal boost or access point is required. The Roku might be a viable option. I assume you have to setup a Roku account etc which is no big deal. |
Concerning Roku option. Can check them out at roku.com. https://www.roku.com/products/players Players are relatively inexpensive. No monthly fees. I've been using them for years to supplement first my Comcast box and then my Tivo. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ and a whole host of others are all supported by Roku. Prices for a player start around $25. |
Hey Kevin, I use a Linksys Velop mesh network. I have 3 nodes in my mesh and each node has an ethernet connection you can use, as well as it being a member of the wi-fi mesh network. It provides excellent wi-fi coverage and speed everywhere in our 3 floors, and it provides for an ethernet connection locally where each of the nodes are placed. Works great, but it is not an inexpensive option. I have 3 of the top of the line, most powerful nodes and I think it cost $300 for the 3 nodes. Might have even been $399. |
