How do I switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet cables?


My Bluesound Node currently receives Wi-Fi, but I'd like to switch to a direct link. I assume that would be with an ethernet cable from the modem to the Bluesound - with possibly a better switch between the two.

The problem is that my modem is in the basement and the Bluesound is on a different floor. There is not a clear path for running cable. 

Is there a piece of equipment or technology that I could help in this situation?

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Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

I’ve been using Wifi and carefully analyzing it’s behavior and performance for both audio and video streaming, and I think this is a little unfair:

 

IMO, even if you pour a bunch of money in your wifi, it will not be as stable as a wired connection.

 

It really depends on a lot of things, like how congested your wifi neighborhood is, and where exactly your router is and the quality of the signal. I live in the burbs and I can easily do wifi for audio or video here. 4 other competing signals and 4 bars of signal strength. In my San Francisco apartment though, I couldn’t stream anything. :D

I do generally agree that those are the only two options:  Optimize the router channel and placements, and have a hard wire run.  The latter of course is best. :)

 

There’s no good adaptor solution that is better than your current set up.  Besides hiring an electrician to run a new cable for you I encourage you to find a Wifi analyzer for your phone or laptop to check the signal strength and also make sure you are an uncongested channel. Also, use 5GHz instead of 2 GHz if you have a strong enough signal. Fewer people use it and it has better bandwidth.

Keep in mind that audio requires very little bandwidth. A good wifi signal has many times more bandwidth than you’ll need unless you have many other users in the home.