Easiest/Cheapest Way to Run Ethernet to TV

exalted512

Want to run a cable to from my Linksys router to the TV. TV doesn't have wireless and the wireless adapter is $60...wanting to see if I can do it wired for less than that.

Question is...

Is it possible to run ethernet from the router in the office back INTO the wall (using an ethernet plug in the wall). Then run ethernet through the wall into the living room into another plug. Then run a short ethernet cord from the tv to the plug in the wall.

I've included a work of art to show what I'm talking about.



So I just want to know first, if this will work with a standard router.

2nd of all, is it fairly simple to hard wire this on the back end of the plug?

Thanks!
-Cody

mrbiron

It would definitely be easier to just buy the adapter but who wants anything easy in life....i know i want struggles every day of the week ie...waking up.

Once you buy the mounting brackets, Keystone jacks, cover plates, cabling, terminations & termination tool, you'll be around $30. Just a guess on price.
That will easily work and your router will be just fine.

Unless i've misread your work of art. Then in that case....disregard all my typing.

rooftop59

It should work fine. I've been thinking of doing something like that. Granted you don't save that much (however monoprice is REALLY cheap), but you get a solid, faster connection going wired. That is my main reason for considering it. I admit that if its just the money I don't know if its worth your time...
Peace,
Paul

Knucklehead

wired is much better for streaming info such as video IMO, Cat5 cable can be tricky to terminate, so if you go that route buy the pre terminated cable.

rooftop59

I agree with preterminated. Everything from monoprice including wall jacks with double sided plugs, a 75 foot preterminated cord, wall jacks etc cost me about 35 bucks, well worth it for the connection improvement.

ysss

Yup, definitely go with wired whenever possible and convenient. Especially for always-connected appliances and high bandwidth (high def streaming) use.

It's definitely cheaper, if you consider how much faster and more reliable the connection that you're getting is.

Alternatively, you can get a cheap wifi access point that can act as a wireless client to your (i assume) existing wireless network. So this device will connect to your tv via ethernet wire and 'bridges' the connection to your wifi. Probably $30-50 depending on make and brand.

maximillian

There are several ways to do it. I agree that wired is better for streaming. Also, you will undoubtedly have multiple Ethernet connections in your HT. One wire could then be connected to an Ethernet switch in your HT setup and branched to multiple devices. Only one wire goes through the wall.

If the connection doesn't have to be "clean" you could always just run a wire through a small hole in the wall that is big enough for a Cat5/6 cable. Then you can terminate either with a RJ45 jack or plug. Your choice. If a jack then you will need a pre-terminated jumper cable to go to the router.

You can buy these jacks at Lowes (a little cheaper there too):

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-41108-RW5-Category-QuickPort-Connector/dp/B0007N5LZE/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292440931&sr=1-5

And they sell covers that these mount too. You don't need an electrical box if you use wall anchors and mount the cover screws directly to the wall. These jacks come with a simple punch tool. Lowes sells cable and RJ45 plugs if you prefer to terminate your own cables. To terminate your own cables you will need your own tool which costs typically around $20-$30.

Have fun.

exalted512

Thanks guys. Project is already underway. (Ordering online is for those who plan ahead and feel like waiting)

Ran to Home Depot and picked up 50' of cat5e and a couple of these:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg8/R-100672715/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Coax for the cable is already ran throughout the house. So I took off the wall plate, unhooked the coax, taped my cat5e to the coax, went up in the attic...after a little bit of cutting wood to access the coax, pulled the coax through until i saw the cat 5. Untaped it, then pulled more of the cat 5 through. To get the coax back down, just taped the cat5 coming out of the wall (with about 20' of slack in the attic), went back down and pulled the coax back through.

The back of the wall plate has simple screws for the cat5e thats all color coded. So once I get the cat5 down to where my router is (same method of taping it to the existing coax), I'll just cut it to length and strip the wires back and screw it into the wall plate.

No special crimpers required. Total cost of project, $32.41 and a few hours (hopefully!)
-Cody

maximillian

Sounds good...

"strip the wires back".... Keep this to a minimum, only what is required to connect them to the jack.

exalted512

Well...as luck would have it, get everything wired and cleaned up. Plug it into my laptop to make sure it works...working!

Hook it up to the TV...try to go to the app store. Not working. Try a few different things then call Samsung. The app store is down today and tomorrow. Perfect timing on my part!

Thanks for the advice guys.

-Cody

Rivrrat

FWIW, I'm doing exactly what you have diagrammed to connect my Directv receiver to my modem ( only my "wall" is a 6' space under my stairs).

The short answer is it works.

maximillian

My "wall" runs 15' through a utility closet, then 30' along my basement ceiling, then through the garage ceiling and into the living room. The connection goes to a switch and my Xbox and Tivo connect to the switch. It's quite easy.

My next run will go to the second floor and into my bedroom. I have a couple devices here that need Internet connections and I don't want to go wireless.

disneyjoe7

exalted512 wrote: »

Well...as luck would have it, get everything wired and cleaned up. Plug it into my laptop to make sure it works...working!

Hook it up to the TV...try to go to the app store. Not working. Try a few different things then call Samsung. The app store is down today and tomorrow. Perfect timing on my part!

Thanks for the advice guys.

-Cody

I assume but just to be sure, when you "Tested" the wired port did you turn off "Wireless" on the laptop to be sure its not working that way?

Sherardp

I'd run a switch in there just for future use also. 8 port should be just fine. So I'd run through the wall and into the switch, Out of the 10/100/1000 switch to TV and whatever else you decide to add later on.

thsmith

200mps powerline devices and forget about it.

BIZILL

is the app store down, or is the tv not connecting to the home network...or to the net?

Big Dawg

I've done several versions of that and it works great.

exalted512

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

I assume but just to be sure, when you "Tested" the wired port did you turn off "Wireless" on the laptop to be sure its not working that way?

I did think of that! Even made triple sure as I had the internet working, then unplugged the cord and tested immediately after and no internet.

Sherardp wrote: »

I'd run a switch in there just for future use also. 8 port should be just fine. So I'd run through the wall and into the switch, Out of the 10/100/1000 switch to TV and whatever else you decide to add later on.

I might eventually when I need more ports. I'm sure someday I'll need an ethernet hookup in our bedroom for a future tv...but that'll be a couple years.

BIZILL wrote: »

is the app store down, or is the tv not connecting to the home network...or to the net?

The TV has a test to see if the internet works, and it said everything is fine. The Samsung representative said the store itself would be down today and tomorrow. So I guess we'll find out Friday.

-Cody