How to get wired internet without running ethernet cables

Advances in adapters mean you could ditch Wi-Fi for better performance.

Wi-Fi is a way a life. Between smartphones and laptops, even within our homes, we expect to be connected wherever we are. It's a powerful resource, but not a perfect one.

I'm sometimes at the mercy of service being throttled at peak times and facing interference from my many neighbors with their own networks. Even in my modestly sized apartment, there are times where the Wi-Fi network has weak spots. Since I'm renting, I can't just rip into the walls to put ethernet ports where I need them, and in this hundred-year-old building, there's only one outlet where I can put my router. For the homeowners out there, you may have higher priorities for your budget than paying for this type of modification, even though distance and physical obstructions might be weakening Wi-Fi signals. Mesh Wi-Fi systems and Wi-Fi extenders can help alleviate those problems, but sometimes, the best solution is to go straight to the source.

Performance with a wired ethernet connection will almost always be better than a Wi-Fi network. Your device is directly tapping into your router via a cable, meaning less latency and less interference from other signals. That makes wired connections a much better option particularly if you engage in a lot of demanding activities, like playing online games online or making video calls. But even if all you're doing is streaming a favorite show, it's just a better experience if the picture quality stays at a crisp 4K with no buffering.

The obvious action is to run a web of network cables around your home to anywhere you might want access, but that comes with big downsides. It's only feasible if you have a small space with no overly curious children or pets. Between clips and covers, there are ways to minimize the wires' presence, but it's hard to disguise them completely.

A more practical choice is to use specialized adapters that mostly take advantage of other wiring systems that are already in your walls. Several years ago, these adapters were a bit of a joke, but over time they've become a reliable option for improving your ethernet availability. There are three main options available, each with their own pros and cons to consider based on your needs, your home and your budget.

One system that can supplant ethernet is MoCA, which stands for multimedia over coax alliance. This adapter uses coaxial cables, which you might also use for your cable TV provider, to send broadband internet signals. Depending on how recent your construction is, you might be more likely to have