In this guide, we’ll learn how to move modem and router to another room by explaining all the cables that are included and how to reconnect them.
Also, we’ll unwrap possible scenarios in which the relocation might become challenging and how to overcome those hurdles!
In order to relocate a modem and router to another room, you need to ensure that the service cable will be able to reach the modem in the new location.
In case the service cable is not long enough, you can only relocate the router by using a long Ethernet cable.
Let’s jump right into the steps!
How to Move Modem and Router to Another Room?
1. Select a New Location!
The first and most important step is to select a new location for your modem and router, where the requirements are not much, but are essential.
The WiFi router spot should be considered very carefully, having in mind that the wireless network is often an object of interference.
WiFi Router Location Requirements:
- The WiFi router should not be obstructed.
- The WiFi router should not be on the floor.
- The WiFi router should be as high as possible.
As far as the modem, it’s not that important since there is no wireless transmission and the cable transfer doesn’t worry about the location.
The only modem requirement is to be in range so the service cable (coax or Ethernet) can reach the modem and connect to the new location.
2. Disconnect the Wiring!
If you’re not familiar with how your modem and router are connected to each other as well as the other wiring involved, don’t worry these steps explain everything.
It’s clear that you need to disconnect everything before the relocation, but it’s better to learn how everything works!
Pro Tip: First disconnect the power supply of your router and modem, then remove the service cable as well as all Ethernet cables that are connected.
3. Relocate the Modem and Router
This step is simple, now you only need to relocate the router and the modem to their new room and install them in their new position.
However, it’s important to verify that the service cable will be able to reach the modem, otherwise, the relocation wouldn’t be possible.
Note: Internet providers usually provide up to 5 meters allowance on the service cable!
Service Cable Not Long Enough?
In case the service cable is not long enough and can’t reach the modem in the new room, you can simply leave the modem in the previous room.
How this works is by relocating only the WiFi router since you only need a long enough Ethernet cable to connect the modem and the router.
If the modem and router are going to be in separate rooms we recommend getting 5+ meters of Ethernet cable, which can lead through the corners of your home.
This way you can hide the cable and connect the router and the modem without being next to each other.
Info: The modem is not responsible for the WiFi, hence the wireless network speed will be better in the room where the router (not modem) is installed.
4. Reconnect the Wiring!
The next step is to reconnect the wiring based on the new position of the modem and router, and more specifically, whether they are near to each other.
In case you’ve failed to understand how both units are connected, scroll up and re-check the table – wiring explained.
Follow the steps below to reconnect your modem and router:
- First, connect the Service Cable to the modem’s port.
- Then connect your modem to the router via Ethernet.
- The Ethernet plugs in the “blue” (internet) router port.
- Next, reconnect the power adapter to a power source.
- Turn on both your modem and the router via the power button.
- Then connect any computers or TVs via an Ethernet cable.
- You can connect external devices to the router or modem.
Note: Don’t forget that you can also connect devices via Ethernet cable from your router and modem so that even if the modem can’t be relocated, you can still fulfill your tasks.
5. Test your Network Availability
The first sign and indication of a working internet is of course an internet. So simply hop on your connected computer (via Ethernet) and try to surf online.
In case there is no internet connection on a hardwired connected device, simply change from the modem to the router or vice versa.
WiFi Not Working?
In case the WiFi is not working, then the router is not properly connected to the modem.
You can check the LED light labeled “WLAN” and whether it’s on and blinking. If the lights are dull, then surely your router is not receiving internet.
- The solution is to double-check whether the router is connected to the modem in the correct ports as well as whether the Ethernet cable is working.
Tip: Try connecting a computer, TV, or laptop to the router via Ethernet cable to test whether there will be an internet connection on the device.
How to Connect to Router via Ethernet Cable?
The WiFi router typically has 5 Ethernet input ports, one of which is different. The different Ethernet port is either in a different color than the other 4, or it’s simply a coaxial input port.
In order to connect devices to the router you need to select the 4 identical Ethernet ports, which are outputs.
When connected to the modem, the router is receiving internet and can output through the Ethernet ports that you’re going to be using for the external devices.
Standalone Router Setup?
When you have a modem and router combo, you surely need to connect the modem to the router via an Ethernet cable.
However, don’t forget that a router can also be used as a modem and can be directly connected with a service cable.
Info: In those cases, the modem is entirely removed from the equation, which is again based on the service provider and how they work.
Can I Move My Router to Another Room?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to relocate your router from one room to another. However, the way this procedure goes depends on whether you’ve got a router + modem combo or not.
When you have a standalone router to relocate you only need to make sure that the service cable will be able to reach.
From there, the other concern would be connecting your hardwired devices via more Ethernet cables, which is not big of a deal.
In contrast with the router + modem combo, you can either relocate both devices, where the service cable has to reach the modem or relocate only your router.
This is possible by using an Ethernet cable that will reach, regardless of the distance between the router and modem.
Do I Actually Need To Relocate the Router?
Well, it depends on whether you’re willing to spend some money or not. You don’t need to move the router since you can use a long enough Ethernet cable to reach every device in your home.
In case the WiFi is weak in the questionable room, the best possible solution is not to relocate the router and modem, instead, purchase a WiFi Extender.
This device plugs into an outlet in the “weak WiFi room” and basically boosts the signal as if you were to relocate the router.
Need More Help?
In case something broke or went wrong during the relocation of your modem and router, it’s best to notify your service supplier.
Some routers are scripted and only the provider can elevate and hopefully help you in case any serious issue has arisen in your networking setup.
Quick Recap:
In this guide, we’ve learned how to move modem and router to another room as well as how all cables are connected and how the setup works.
In addition, we now know that you can only relocate your router and you don’t actually need to move the modem too!
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