2. digital
  3. 158759-90127

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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jazzman7
335 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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jazzman7
335 posts
 
Yes ... you set up a Roku account, connect to the Roku device, and then in your case provide it with your Netflix credentials.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
And is the Roku device usually instantly seen on the wifi network or?
I could be a viable option as you say it should then update my Netflix streaming service as well.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
Roku is a great option.  That's what I use in my main system for streaming Netflix and Disney +.  You can literally add 100s of channels to it, including music services.  Many of the channels are free.
More to discover