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Best budget reliable wifi bridge to convert home wifi to wired for an old TV.

Just looking for some advice and suggestions from actual users of these wifi bridges.

The problem.

In my bedroom I have an old Samsung SmartTv that does not seem to be quite so smart any longer!
Its old but a great picture still and is a 55" tv so good for my old eyes.
Problem is that it loses its wireless connection every time it is put into standby with the resulting couple minute wait to reconnect and then enter password etc.

What I was thinking of trying was one of those cheaper wifi bridges that will see my home wifi network and I can then just connect with a regular ethernet cable into the back of the TV thereby side stepping its dropping of the wireless network every time it is powered off.

No it is not a network issue, every other device in the house (MANY!) work flawlessly.

Reading reviews for various models on Amazon reveals a mixed bag of potential horrors.

So that is hopefully where this community comes in, point me in the right direction the first time!

Many thanks and stay safe!
128x128uberwaltz
reubent
7,044 posts
 
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.
crn3371
224 posts
 
Plenty of WiFi boosters available on Amazon for $50 or less. A streaming box like Roku will cost a little more. What the Roku will do, that your tv doesn’t, is keep up with updates to services like Netflix, plus access to many other services.
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jazzman7
348 posts
 
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.
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jazzman7
348 posts
 
uberwaltz, here is another possible option.
You mentioned that you had a Blu Ray player hooked up to your TV.
Many Blu Ray players also support streaming services such as Netflix.
Any chance that the Blu Ray player you already own might be one of them.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
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.
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